Catalytic hydrodechlorination of 2,4-dichlorophenol over nanoscale Pd/Fe: Reaction pathway and some experimental parameters

Nanoscale Pd/Fe bimetallic particles were synthesized and used to hydrodechlorinate 2,4-dichlorophenol. 2,4-dichlorophenol was transformed to phenol with a small amount of 2-chlorophenol and 4-chlorophenol produced. The reaction pathway and reaction rate constants for each step have been determined. The effects of various Pd bulk loadings in the bimetals, temperatures and pH conditions on the hydrodechlorination of 2,4-dichlorophenol were examined. The results showed that higher Pd bulk loadings, higher temperatures and weak acid conditions are beneficial to the catalytic dechlorination of 2,4-dichlorophenol.