Work

Pd/Ti3C2 nanohybrids as heterogeneous catalyst for efficient catalytic reduction of hazardous water pollutants at ambient conditions

Year: 2026

Type: article

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 (Ti 3 C 2 T x )-supported palladium nanoparticle catalysts (Pd/Ti 3 C 2 T x ) 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 Ti 3 AlC 2 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 (k app ) exhibited a direct correlation with Pd loading, with TP5 demonstrating the highest activity (k app = 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.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-59645-x

Authors: Sakineh Rahimi, Alireza Najafi Chermahini, Antonio Pineda, Rafael Luque, Carolina Vargas-Fernández, Salvador Pérez Huertas

Institutions: Isfahan University of Technology, University of Córdoba, Universidad Ecotec, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos

Language: English

Topic: Nanomaterials for catalytic reactions

Subfield: Organic Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,690