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Title: X-ray photoelectron spectra of the palladium-iron bimetallic surface used for the rapid dechlorination of chlorinated organic environmental contaminants

Journal Article · · Environmental Science and Technology
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es960289d· OSTI ID:437390
; ;  [1];  [2]
  1. Univ. of Arizona, Tucson, AZ (United States)
  2. Oak Ridge National Lab., Grand Junction, CO (United States)

Palladized iron (Pd/Fe) has been successfully used for the rapid dechlorination of organic environmental contaminants in aqueous solutions. We have investigated the nature of the Pd/Fe surface by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Our results indicate that the reactive Pd/Fe surface is formed by the stepwise reduction of Pd(IV) in solution to Pd(II), which replaces protons on the hydroxylated iron oxide surface and forms Pd(II)-O-Fe bonds. These bonds are unstable and collapse spontaneously to yield the reactive palladized iron in which the palladium is in the elemental state. Prolonged exposure of this Pd/Fe surface to a saturated solution of aqueous TCE results in the growth of the hydroxylated iron oxide film that deactivates the Pd/Fe surface. The thick hydroxylated iron oxide film can be removed, and the original activity of the Pd/Fe surface can be restored by washing he surface with a dilute acid solution. 5 refs., 6 figs.

OSTI ID:
437390
Journal Information:
Environmental Science and Technology, Vol. 30, Issue 12; Other Information: PBD: Dec 1996
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English