Catalytic denitrification of water with palladium-based catalysts supported on activated carbons

The performance of carbon-supported, Pd bimetallic catalysts for nitrate reduction has been investigated. Pd–In and Pd–Sn catalysts have been tested for a range of nitrate concentration up to 1000ppm in acidic and close to neutral pH. Pd–Cu was also studied at pH 5 for reference. Nitrate reduction was inhibited strongly by nitrite and moderately by sulphate. Activated carbon catalysts are shown to display an activity similar to metal oxide supported catalysts.