Natural Polymer Supported Catalysts

Plant originated natural polymers, including cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, are abundant and low-cost. However, the processing and utilization of these polymers as catalysts for environmental remediation was underexplored. Nanoparticulate Pd hold promise as a catalyst to reduce a suite of persistent contaminants via hydrogenation, including nitrate, nitrite, bromate, chlorate, perchlorate, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), and diatrizoate. We are currently working with Prof. Howard Fairbrother in Department of Chemistry at Johns Hopkins University, Prof. Paul Trulove at US Navy Academy, and Prof. Luke Haverhals at Bradley University on the development of plant fiber supported Pd-based catalysts for water purification. 

SEM and TEM images of bamboo yarn supported Pd nanoparticles