Pt-V bimetallic catalysts for the catalytic reduction of chlorate ion pollutants in natural water

Pt-V bimetallic catalysts supported on alumina are studied for the chlorate hydrogenation reaction in water phase. It is observed that that there is a synergic effect between Pt and V that enhances the catalytic activity. The activity of both mono and bimetallic catalysts has been studied in polluted natural water containing other ionic species together with the chlorate ion. It is observed that the monometallic catalysts are not active in these conditions as there is a competitive adsorption of the other anions present in natural water for the Pt active sites. Contrarily, Pt-V catalysts are active in natural water being able to reduce the chlorate ions of the media in presence of other ions. The materials have been characterized by different techniques observing that the addition of vanadium to the Pt-Al 2 O 3 modifies the electronic properties of the platinum sites, due to a high electronic interaction of both metals. This interaction favours the formation of partially positively charged platinum nanoclusters and strength the acidity of the catalyst surface. Infrared characterization using CO as probe molecule provided selective information about the centres participating in the reaction. It is shown that there is a correlation between the intensity of the band around 2100 cm -1 , assigned to the interaction CO-Pt +δ and the initial activity of the catalysts. This indicates that partially charged Pt nanoclusters are the most active sites for the chlorate reduction. The combination of the noble and the non-noble metal and their interaction with the alumina support, improves the redox and acid properties of the catalyst enhancing its activity and making possible the reduction of chlorate pollutants in natural water. • Pt-V bimetallic catalysts are active for the chlorate hydrogenation. • Catalyst activity depends on the nature of water • Only bimetallic catalysts are active in the presence of other anions. • The presence of vanadium modifies the acid and redox properties of Pt. • Partially charged Pt nanoclusters are the most active sites.