In this study, a novel and highly reactive Sn-Pd catalyst supported by environmentally benign kaolinite (Sn-Pd-kaolinite) was developed and evaluated for stability for effective nitrate (NO3-) reduction in batch and continuous mode. Complete NO3- removal with fast reduction kinetics (k = 18.16 × 10-2 min-1) and 71% selectivity toward N2 were achieved by the Sn-Pd-kaolinite catalyst during batch reactions. During continuous tests, 100% NO3- removal and 80% N2 was achieved for 60 h. However, NO3- removal efficiency gradually decreased to 80% in170 h. The catalyst was then successfully regenerated in the system by increasing H2 flow which achieved a complete NO3- removal again. The metal leaching from catalyst surface was negligible (Sn 0.01% and Pd 0.006%) and the structure was stable during the continuous test, confirming that the Sn-Pd-Kaolinite catalyst had a superior reaction kinetics and operational durability.
Keywords: Catalytic durability; Continuous nitrate reduction; Kaolinite support; Sn–Pd bimetallic catalyst; catalytic nitrate reduction.
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