A green approach for efficient p-nitrophenol hydrogenation catalyzed by a Pd-based nanocatalyst

A magnetically recyclable nanocatalyst, Pd-Fe3O4, has been synthesized through a simple one-pot, cost effective method. The electrostatic interaction between the catalyst and the support in the synthesis led to the formation of highly dispersed ultra-fine Pd clusters supported on magnetite. The Pd-based catalyst shows a turnover frequency of 476 h(-1), which is eight times higher in the efficiency for p-nitrophenol (PNP) hydrogenation than that of the commercial Pd/C (62 h(-1)) under ambient conditions in water. This efficient and green chemical transformation system for the PNP hydrogenation shows promising perspective. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.