ENVR 176 |
| Raney nickel catalysts (porous Ni materials prepared by alkaline treatment of NiAl alloys) are exceptionally active for the reduction of several oxyanion, N-nitrosamine and halogenated aquatic micropollutants with hydrogen as an electron donor. The low cost of Ni makes these materials economically attractive alternatives to precious metal catalysts such as palladium and platinum. Unfortunately, Raney nickel can be pyrophoric and can be easily deactivated by exposure to dissolved oxidants present in water. This study examines the properties and reactivity of nanophase nickel-boron catalysts, which are non-pyrophoric and safer to handle than Raney nickel. Several instrumental techniques (TEM, SEM, XPS, XRD, dinitrogen adsorption/desorption) are used to characterize the physical and chemical properties of the catalysts. Kinetic studies with N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in water are used as a probe for surface reactivity, which will be compared with Raney nickel and Pd-based catalysts. Emphasis will be placed on the factors controlling nickel and boron surface chemistry when the catalysts are in contact with water. |
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Advances in Abiotic Transformation Processes for Micropollutants in Drinking Water and for Sourcewater Protection
8:30 AM-12:10 PM, Wednesday, April 9, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Rm. 237, Oral
Division of Environmental Chemistry |