Zhou, et al (2024) Improvement strategy of citrate and biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More assisted nano-palladium/iron composite for effective dechlorination of 2,4-dichlorophenol. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-024-33475-8

The rapid passivation and aggregation of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) often hinder its effectiveness in wastewater remediation. To address these limitations, researchers have developed a novel composite material that integrates biochar (BC) derived from discarded peanut shells and the green complexing agent sodium citrate (SC) with nano-palladium/iron (nPd/Fe).

This composite, termed SC-nPd/Fe@BC, aims to remove 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) from wastewater more efficiently. In this material, biochar acts as a carrier for the nPd/Fe particles, preventing their agglomeration and increasing the composite’s specific surface area. These properties enhance the reactivity and stability of nPd/Fe.

Characterization studies revealed that the SC-nPd/Fe@BC composite particles were well-dispersed, with reduced agglomeration and inhibited passivation layer formation. This improvement in reactivity was due to the synergistic effects of BC and SC. Key factors influencing the reductive dichlorination of 2,4-DCP included Pd loading, Fe:C ratio, SC addition, temperature, initial pHpH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. A pH of 7 is neutral, while lower pH values indicate acidity and higher values indicate alkalinity. Biochars are normally alkaline and can influence soil pH, often increasing it, which can be beneficial More, and pollutant concentration.

Results showed that SC-nPd/Fe@BC achieved a removal efficiency of 96.0% and a dechlorination rate of 95.6% for 2,4-DCP, significantly outperforming nPd/Fe alone (46.2% removal, 45.3% dechlorination). Kinetic studies indicated that the dechlorination reaction followed a pseudo-first-order model, with SC-nPd/Fe@BC exhibiting the highest reaction rate constant (0.0264 min−1), compared to other tested materials.

These findings suggest that SC-nPd/Fe@BC is a highly effective material for the treatment of chlorinated pollutants in wastewater, showcasing the potential for sustainable and efficient environmental remediation solutions.