Conventional MOCVD method has been explored to prepare Pd supported catalysts. Pd and PdO phases were found on the surface of the support. Small Pd particles about 1 to 3 nm and dispersions up to 19%were obtained by MOCVD. TPR results indicated that several surface Pd compounds are reduced. At temperatures below 25°C, PdO, the main compound, is completely converted to metallic Pd which forms hydrides. At higher temperatures, between 500 to 800°C, the reduction peaks could be attributed to Pd-support interactions and a strong support dehydroxylation. All catalysts were inactive in benzene hydrogenation and a significant conversion was only detected a temperatures above 100 °C. This was explained by the reduced accessibility of Pd sites imposed by the carbon contamination and by the Pd-Al2O3 interactions.

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MICROPLASTICS: APPLICATIONS IN THE COSMETIC INDUSTRY AND IMPACTS ON THE AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT. Environmental pollution from plastics and microplastics is currently one of the most relevant issues of the scientific community and cosmetic industry. In particular, microplastics are referred to as small pieces of plastic less than five millimeters (<5mm) and do not dissolve in water, can be harmful to the ocean and aquatic life. Microplastics can be designated as i) primary - particles that are intentionally developed as micro sized plastic particles used in cosmetic formulations like microbeads, and ii) secondary microplastics - stem from all kinds of plastic material debris result of decomposition caused by UV radiation, mechanical stress (ocean waves) and wind action. This article gives an overview about plastics/microplastics, that are mainly used in personal care products and cosmetic. Moreover, we attempt to demonstrated some of the major problems that microplastics based materials can cause in the aquatic life leading to a human health concern. In this context, the interaction between microplastic-contaminants and possible effects in the environment or organisms was explore based on the literature analysis.