Exploring Spherical‐Shaped Catalysts: Synthesis and Characterization for Efficient Hydrogenation of para‐Nitrophenol

• Published in: ChemistrySelect (Weinheim) 2023-12, Vol.8 (48), p.n/a
• Main Authors: As, Elham Sharifi, Arsalani, Nasser, Naghash‐Hamed, Samin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbon Quantum Dots; Hydrogenation; Para-Nitrophenol; Transition Metal Catalyst; Water treatment
• ISSN: 2365-6549; 2365-6549
• DOI: 10.1002/slct.202302447

This study reports the synthesis and properties of two types of nanoparticles, TiO2 and CuFe2O4, using sol‐gel and hydrothermal methods, respectively. The CuFe2O4 nanoparticles were loaded onto carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and TiO2 nanoparticles using the co‐precipitation method. Characterization of the nanoparticles and nanocomposites was carried out using FT‐IR, XRD, SEM, EDXS, PL, DRS, and UV‐Vis analyses. The FT‐IR spectra of the nanomaterials showed changes in intensity, indicating successful synthesis of the nanocomposites. The CuFe2O4@CQDs nanocomposite exhibited a distinct peak at 2θ=21° in the XRD pattern, corresponding to the diffraction of [002] planes. The CuFe2O4@CQDs nanocomposite demonstrated high activity in the hydrogenation of para‐nitrophenol (PNP) with a conversion efficiency of para‐aminophenol (PAP) of approximately 99.44 %. Its performance surpassed that of bare TiO2 and CuFe2O4 nanoparticles due to the significant effect of CQDs. The observed rate constant for the hydrogenation reaction was 0.845 (s−1), with a reduction time of 7 seconds. Moreover, the magnetic nanocatalyst was easily separated from the reaction solution and recycled for up to 6 consecutive cycles without significant loss of catalytic activity, a mere from 99.44 to 92.8 % after 6 uses. The synthesis process was straightforward and required minimal effort and time. This study synthesized TiO2 and CuFe2O4 nanoparticles using sol‐gel and hydrothermal methods, loaded CuFe2O4 onto carbon quantum dots and TiO2 using co‐precipitation. Characterization showed successful synthesis, with CuFe2O4@CQDs demonstrating high catalytic activity in hydrogenation of para‐nitrophenol, outperforming bare TiO2 and CuFe2O4. CuFe2O4@CQDs also showed easy separation and recycling. TiO2 nanoparticles exhibited low conversion efficiency and weak reusability, making them unsuitable for the hydrogenation process.