UoB University Graduate School
Synthesis of Bio-Palladium Nanocatalyst by Reduction on Bacterial Surfaces
This photograph shows bio-palladium nanocatalyst synthesized on bacterial surfaces by the process of reduction of palladium (II) salt solutions. The reduction is carried out in the presence of hydrogen or formate and via hydrogenase enzyme present in the bacteria (Desulfovibrio) but through other alternative routes in Bacillus. This forms the basis for the production of nanocatalyst from wastes metal solutions (leachates) as a way of recovering precious metals and a means of making cheaper catalysts using bacterial biomass as metal support. Previous studies have shown that bio-palladium (bio-Pd) nanocatalysts produced by Desulfovibrio desulfuricans have demonstrated comparable catalytic properties with commercial counterparts and they are also better than bio-Pd produced on cells of other species of Desulfovibrio. However, little is known about the reasons for the differing catalytic properties. My research focuses on two strains of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans and understanding the reason for the differing catalytic properties through further studies. Knowing the key reaction determining the catalytic activity of the bio-Pd (0) produced will form the basis for future improvement of the catalyst for use in other industrial reactions.
Jacob B. Omajali
PhD
College of Life and Environmental Sciences
Synthesis of Bio-Palladium Nanocatalyst by Reduction on Bacterial Surfaces
This photograph shows bio-palladium nanocatalyst synthesized on bacterial surfaces by the process of reduction of palladium (II) salt solutions. The reduction is carried out in the presence of hydrogen or formate and via hydrogenase enzyme present in the bacteria (Desulfovibrio) but through other alternative routes in Bacillus. This forms the basis for the production of nanocatalyst from wastes metal solutions (leachates) as a way of recovering precious metals and a means of making cheaper catalysts using bacterial biomass as metal support. Previous studies have shown that bio-palladium (bio-Pd) nanocatalysts produced by Desulfovibrio desulfuricans have demonstrated comparable catalytic properties with commercial counterparts and they are also better than bio-Pd produced on cells of other species of Desulfovibrio. However, little is known about the reasons for the differing catalytic properties. My research focuses on two strains of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans and understanding the reason for the differing catalytic properties through further studies. Knowing the key reaction determining the catalytic activity of the bio-Pd (0) produced will form the basis for future improvement of the catalyst for use in other industrial reactions.
Jacob B. Omajali
PhD
College of Life and Environmental Sciences