Green synthesis of a natrolite zeolite/palladium nanocomposite and its application as a reusable catalyst for the reduction of organic dyes in a very short time

Abstract

A natrolite zeolite/palladium (natrolite zeolite/Pd) nanocomposite has been successfully synthesized applying a simple in situ reduction method using an aqueous extract of fruits of Piper longum as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The natrolite zeolite/Pd nanocomposite is characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The crystal structure of natrolite zeolite is determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The catalytic activity of the natrolite zeolite/Pd nanocomposite is excellent for organic dye reduction at room temperature and remains the same for several cycles. The present strategy gives a promising way to prepare heterogeneous nanocatalysts composed by metal nanoparticles for broad applications in catalysis and organic transformations.