Enhancing nitroaromatics reduction through synergistic participation of Ni NPs and nickel ferrite/C nanocomposite: A path towards greener industrial viability

• Published in: Applied catalysis. A, General General, 2024-07, Vol.681, p.119785, Article 119785
• Main Authors: More, Ganesh Sunil, Kharb, Sonia, Gill, Priyanka, Srivastava, Rajendra
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Green Chemical synthesis; Ni Nanoparticles; NiFe2O4; Nitroaromatics; p-Aminophenol; p-Nitrophenol reduction
• ISSN: 0926-860X; 1873-3875
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apcata.2024.119785

Ni/Fe-citrate gel was reduced in an H2/Ar, forming Ni NPs decorated NiFe2O4-C for eco-friendly nitroaromatics reduction. In-depth characterization of the catalyst highlighted the synergistic interaction between Ni NPs and NiFe2O4 (Ni/NiFe2O4-C), achieving ∼ 99 % conversion of nitroaromatics into amines at 70 °C and 0.5 MPa H2 in water. The cooperative effects of Ni NPs, NiFe2O4, and carbon were instrumental in enhancing the adsorption of hydrogen and nitroaromatics, and the kinetic study showed effectively reducing the activation barrier for the reduction. The HR-TEM, XPS, and H2-TPR provided valuable insights into the formation of Ni NPs and the NiFe2O4 framework, emphasizing their synergistic relationship. Raman spectroscopy and TGA analysis confirmed the formation of carbon. Remarkably, the highly active Ni/NiFe2O4-C catalyst recycled for five cycles without losing activity. p-Aminophenol on 7 g will receive significant attention, emphasizing the substantial promise of this sustainable transition metal-based catalyst for the eco-friendly hydrogenation of nitroaromatics. [Display omitted] •An eco-friendly and sustainable approach for the reduction of nitroaromatics.•Ni/NiFe2O4-C nanocomposite was synthesized by a simple synthesis route.•The synergistic participation of Ni NPs and NiFe2O4-C in achieving high yield.•Excellent activity in water or ethanol at 70 °C and 5 bar H2.•The protocol offered a broad substrate scope and large-scale synthesis of p-aminophenol.