Preparation and characterization of Palladium supported on biopolymer as potential catalyst for water treatment

In this study, Pd catalyst was prepared and characterized based on chitosantannin (CT) framework as a support. The CT support and Pd-CT catalyst were characterized by Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy- Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analyzer (SEM-EDX), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The catalytic activity of Pd-CT catalyst was investigated for the reduction of oxyanion and azo dyes using H2 as a reducing agent. The analysis of remaining pollutants after the catalytic activity of oxyanions and azo dyes were analysed by using high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) and UV-Vis spectrophotometer method respectively. The catalytic activity of Pd-CT catalyst was also conducted on real water samples, well water and batik wastewater. From FTIR spectra, the shift in hydroxyl vibration (3211.21 cm-1-3272.32 cm-1), nitro stretching (1539.09 cm-1 - 1504.76 cm-1) and amine stretching (1026.94 cm-1 - 1027.30 cm-1) confirms its coordination with Pd. Raman spectra was carried out to give information about the structural defect of the catalyst as compared to CT support. The SEM-EDX analysis reveals a regular surface morphology and a presence of Pd in the catalyst as compared to CT support. TEM analysis shows that the insertion of Pd on organic support with a spherical shape possessing size in the range of 4.58 nm – 19.6 nm (average particle size = 12.49 ± 3.25 nm). The TEM analysis also verifies that this catalyst was formed in nano range. The XRD analysis exhibits the amorphous nature of the catalyst compared to CT support. The thermal analysis also reveals that the catalyst is thermally-stable compared to CT support. The catalytic activity of Pd-CT catalyst on nitrate, nitrite, bromate and perchlorate showed 71.11 %, 100 %, 96.48 % and 83.42 % degradation. The catalytic activity of Pd-CT catalyst exhibits 25.07 %, 34.42 % and 22% degradation of congo red, methyl orange and methyl red respectively. The catalytic activity of Pd-CT catalyst on W2 shows 47.14 % degradation. The catalytic activity of Pd-CT catalyst exhibits 11.26 % and 12.06 %, 4.47 % and 2.31 % degradation of B1 and B2 respectively. The results reveals that palladium on supported biopolymer has a potential as the catalyst for water treatment.