Pd-loaded magnetic mesoporous nanocomposites: A magnetically recoverable catalyst with effective enrichment and high activity for DDT and DDE removal under mild conditions.

1,1,1-Trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl) ethane (DDT), an organochlorine pollutant, is highly persistent in environment and responsible for many ecological and health damages. Although remediation and degradation of DDT and its metabolites in soil and water by microorganisms and abiotic techniques can be accomplished, success is often accompanied by rigorous reaction conditions, such as anaerobic system, explosive gases, high pressure or temperature, and illumination. Here a triple-functional nanocomposite was prepared by integrating superparamagnetic Fe3O4 and palladium (Pd) nanoparticles onto mesoporous Fe3O4@nSiO2@mSiO2 nanospheres. These magnetic mesoporous materials display excellent capabilities of capturing and catalytically degrading DDT in water. Over these nanocomposites, DDT and its metabolite, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl) ethylene (DDE) could be quickly enriched and completely degraded at as low as 150 °C. The nanocomposites can be magnetically separated from the dispersion after adsorption, and then be easily regenerated which is accompanied by catalytic reaction. The whole treatment process is convenient, energy-saving, and just requires ambient pressure and mild reaction conditions.