(93e) Development of Reactive Pd/Fe Bimetallic Nanotubes and Their Application in Dechlorination Reactions

In this presentation, we describe the synthesis of a new class of bimetallic nanotubes based on Pd/Fe and demonstrate their efficacy in the dechlorination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). One-dimensional iron metal nanotubes of different diameters were prepared by electroless deposition within the pores of polycarbonate membranes using a simple technique under ambient conditions. The effect of concentration of the electrolytes and time of reaction on the structure and morphology of the nanotubes were studied. Shell/core Pd/Fe nanotubes were prepared by soaking Fe nanotubes liberated from the template in an ethanolic solution of palladium acetate. The size, morphology, and structure of the Pd/Fe nanotubes were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The as-prepared Pd/Fe bimetallic nanotubes were used in dechlorination of 3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB77). In comparison with Pd/Fe nanoparticles, the Pd/Fe nanotubes demonstrated higher efficiency in the dechlorination reaction.