Yao, Y.Lian, C.Wu, G.Hu, Y.Wei, F.Yu, M.Wang, S.2018-11-072018-11-072017Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 2017; 219:563-5710926-33731873-3883http://hdl.handle.net/2440/115845Available online 25 July 2017Novel “sea urchin”-like Ni nanoparticles embedded in N-doped carbon nanotubes (CNTs) supported on porous carbon (Ni@N-C) 3D materials derived from waste biomass were prepared via pyrolysis and employed as an environmentally friendly, easy available and cost-effective catalyst for removal of toxic pollutants. The characterizations indicated that Ni⁰ catalyzed the growth of intertwined CNTs on carbon layers, affording abundant porous structures and larger specific surface area. With the synergistic effect of embedded Ni⁰ nanoparticles, nitrogen doping, hierarchical micro-mesopores, and interconnected CNTs, Ni@N-C displayed a superior catalytic capability for the oxidation of organic pollutants using peroxymonosulfate as an oxidant, and catalytic reduction of toxic Cr^VI to nontoxic Cr^III by formic acid as a reducing agent. It was found that pyrolysis temperatures affected the compositions, morphologies, and catalytic properties of Ni@N-C. Inactive oxidized N species have transformed to the highly active graphitic N, pyridinic-N, and Ni-O-N clusters, thereby improving the catalytic activity. Moreover, Ni@N-C maintained good physicochemical structure and stable activity even after several cycles of reactions. The simple synthetic strategies, 3D structure, and remarkable performance of Ni@N-C composites make them serve as alternative environmentally friendly catalysts for removal of pollutants.en© 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Carbon nanotubes; biomass; hexavalent chromium; organic pollutants; heterogeneous catalysisJournal article003009653710.1016/j.apcatb.2017.07.0640004129571000582-s2.0-85026863999435469Wang, S. [0000-0002-1751-9162]