Catalytic denitrification of water with palladium-based catalysts supported on activated carbons

The performance of carbon-supported, Pd bimetallic catalysts for nitrate reduction has been investigated. Pd-In and Pd-Sn catalysts have been tested for a range of nitrate concentration up to 1000 ppm in acidic and close to neutral pH. Pd-Cu was also studied at pH 5 for reference. Nitrate reduction was inhibited strongly by nitrite and moderately by sulphate. Activated carbon catalysts are shown to display an activity similar to metal oxide supported catalysts. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.