Reduction of aromatic nitro compounds on Pd colloids prepared by γ-irradiation

Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), stabilized Pd colloids were successfully prepared by γ-irradiation in aqueous solution without additional reducing agent. The ‘clean’ Pd colloid was used as catalysts for the reduction of 2-, 3-, 4-nitrophenol, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene, and 4-nitrobenzo-15-crown in aqueous solution at room temperature. The reduction process was monitored by UV–Visible spectroscopy.