Enhanced catalytic performance induced by synergistic interaction between Pd species with NiAl2O4 spinel support for aqueous-phase hydrodechlorination of 4-chlorophenols

4-Chlorophenol (4-CP) is a pervasive environmental pollutant commonly found in wastewater and groundwater, posing great risks to both human health and the ecosystem. Catalytic hydrodechlorination (HDC) of 4-CP by utilizing hydrogen (H 2 ) as a reductant has emerged to be an efficient and sustainable way to treat pollutant water. This study focuses on the development of an efficient and stable Pd-based catalyst for the catalytic HDC of 4-CP. By incorporating an appropriate amount of Ni into Al 2 O 3 support, a NiAl 2 O 4 (NA) spinel was synthesized, enhancing the interaction between Pd and the support, leading to precise control over Pd species and oxygen vacancies. The tailored properties of the Pd/NA-1 catalyst result from meticulous adjustment of the Pd 2+ /Pd 0 ratio and oxygen vacancies, which promotes electron transfer from Pd to Ni within the NiAl 2 O 4 spinel. In comparison to the Pd/Al 2 O 3 catalyst, the Pd/NA-1 catalyst exhibits exceptional stability, with continuous operation for over 120 h without deactivation. Comprehensive characterization analyses indicate that the Pd/NA-1 catalyst effectively prevented the aggregation of Pd nanoparticles, maintaining the Pd 2+ /Pd 0 ratio at 1, which is crucial for its superior stability. This work provides valuable insights into the development of Pd-based catalysts for HDC reactions, highlighting the potential use of Pd/NA-1 catalysts in treating hazardous pollutants like 4-CP in waste systems.