Synthesis of PdCu bimetallic nanomaterials from Cu2O as catalyst for o-nitroaniline reduction reaction

Abstract

   This research takes advantage of the galvanic electrochemical replacement method to create a hollow cubic structure. We used Cu₂O to synthesize the hollow cubic structure PdCu bimetal. With this structure, the reduction of o-nitroaniline to o-phenylenediamine takes about 8 min. O-phenylenediamine is less toxic and more eco-friendly than o-nitroaniline. The o-nitroaniline reduction of PdCu and Pd nanoparticles was evaluated by adding NaBH₄ at different concentrations. The reaction rate constant reaching the saturation value of the bimetallic PdCu nanoparticles was stretched, while the Pd nanoparticle reached the saturation value rapidly. The obtained products can be applied to wastewater treatment in the dyeing and pharmaceutical industries. The application in the treatment of dye wastewater containing o-nitroaniline will give better results than using the single metal structure; and will optimize costs because the amount of precious metals used in the synthesis process is also less.