Green synthesized Pd-Ni nanohybrids for controlled degradation of low-density polyethylene films

This study reports the potential application of Pd-Ni bimetallic nanoparticles as a photo-catalyst for the degradation of low-density polyethylene films. Ananas comosus extract was used in the biosynthesis of Pd-Ni bimetallic nanoparticles. The extract's phytochemical compounds served as reducing and stabilizing agents, facilitating the bioreduction process. The as-synthesized Pd-Ni bimetallic nanoparticles were incorporated into LDPE films with or without solar radiation. The reaction kinetics was used to observe the polyethylene films' pattern of degradation. Photo-induced weight loss, FTIR, SEM, and TGA analyses were used to characterize the pure LDPE and nanocomposite films. After 210 h of solar irradiation, the weight loss of solar-treated Pd-Ni nanocomposite films and pure LDPE lost 40.04 +/- 2.3% and 8.60 +/- 0.5%, respectively. While the untreated Pd-Ni nanocomposite (dark) showed a weight loss of 1.79 +/- 0.39%. The FTIR and SEM analyses confirmed the new peaks, carbonyl group generation, and formation of cavities on the polymer matrix of solar-treated Pd-Ni nanocomposite. However, this study suggests the use of Pd-Ni bimetallic nanoparticles as a photo-catalyst to enhance the photocatalytic degradation of low-density polyethylene, which could be useful in the polymer industry to combat environmental pollution.