Microwave-assisted synthesis of Pd-Ru-Re/f-MWCNTs nanocatalyst for efficient catalytic reduction of chromium and pesticide

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) and imidacloprid (IMI, pesticide) are well recognized as an acute hazardous pollutant in living environments. Herein, palladium-ruthenium-rhenium colloidal particles decorated on functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Pd-Ru-Re/f-MWCNTs) was synthesized via simple microwave (MW) method. The as-synthesized nanocatalyst was confirmed through PXRD, FE-TEM, FE-SEM-EDX, XPS, UV-vis, and FT-IR measurement. These reduction catalytic activity tested towards Cr(VI) and IMI pollutants evaluated using formic acid (FA), and compared to commercial Pd/C catalyst. FA act as green reducing agent. Because of to its well-dispersed ultrafine Pd-Ru-Re colloidal NPs, the synergistic impact between metal colloidal NPs and fMWCNTs supports, and availability of multiple active sites, which are crucial for the rapid catalytic reduction process. Moreover, this catalyst additionally shown outstanding recyclability and strong stability with rate constants. The study provided new perspectives on the catalytic removal of Cr(VI) and IMI for the treatment of industrial wastewater.