Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 29, 2026

Synthesis and Testing of Supported Pt-Cu Solid Solution Nanoparticle Catalysts for Propane Dehydrogenation
Published on: July 18, 2017
Pd/Ti3C2 nanohybrids as heterogeneous catalyst for efficient catalytic reduction of hazardous water pollutants at
Sakineh Rahimi1, Alireza Najafi Chermahini2, Antonio Pineda3
1Department of Chemistry, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, 84154-83111, Iran.
Abstract:
Nitrophenols are toxic priority pollutants that pose significant environmental and health risks, necessitating efficient strategies for their removal from wastewater. Catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) using formic acid (FA) as a green hydrogen source represents a promising approach. This study reports the development of MXene (Ti3C2Tx)-supported palladium nanoparticle catalysts (Pd/Ti3C2Tx) for the efficient reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) under ambient conditions. The catalysts, with nominal Pd loadings of 2%, 3%, and 5% (designated as TP2, TP3, and TP5), were synthesized by immobilizing Pd nanoparticles onto MXene, which was derived from the Ti3AlC2 MAX phase via HF etching. Comprehensive characterization using XRD, FE-SEM, TEM, BET, EDX, and ICP-OES confirmed the successful etching of Al, the layered structure of MXene, and the dispersion of Pd nanoparticles with an average size of ~ 8 nm. The catalytic performance was evaluated in the CTH of 4-NP using a formic acid/sodium formate system. The reaction kinetics followed a pseudo-first-order model. The apparent rate constant (kapp) exhibited a direct correlation with Pd loading, with TP5 demonstrating the highest activity (kapp = 0.1072 min- 1 under optimal conditions). Optimization studies revealed that a 0.4:0.2 molar ratio of FA to sodium formate and a catalyst concentration of 3 mg mL- 1 were optimal. Spectroscopic characterization (UV‑Vis, FTIR, NMR) confirmed the formation of 4‑hydroxyphenylformamide, with no trace of 4‑aminophenol indicating that FA acts as both a hydrogen donor and a formylating agent. This work underscores the potential of MXene/Pd nanocomposites as highly active and stable catalysts for the remediation of nitrophenol-contaminated water, offering valuable insights for future industrial applications.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Reduction of Alkenes: Catalytic Hydrogenation
Metals like palladium, platinum, and nickel are commonly used in their solid forms — fine powder on an inert surface. As these catalysts remain insoluble in the reaction mixture, they are referred to as heterogeneous catalysts.
The hydrogenation process takes place on the surface of...
Heterogeneous Catalysis
Radical Substitution: Hydrogenolysis of Alkyl Halides with Tributyltin Hydride
The bonds formed in this reaction are stronger than the bonds broken, making it energetically favorable. The reaction follows a radical chain mechanism similar to radical halogenation reactions,...
Reduction of Alkenes: Asymmetric Catalytic Hydrogenation
The metal catalyst used can be either heterogeneous or homogeneous. When hydrogenation of an alkene generates a chiral center, a pair of enantiomeric products is expected to form. However, an enantiomeric excess of one of the products can be facilitated using an enantioselective reaction or an...
Catalysis
Catalysis

