Magnetic nickel nanoparticle catalyst on β-cyclodextrin-modified Fe3O4 for nitroarene hydrogenation

Abstract

This study developed a novel and highly active heterogeneous catalyst of nickel nanoparticles supported on β-cyclodextrin-grafted magnetic Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles (Ni@β-CD@Fe 3 O 4 ). β-CD, a biodegradable, biocompatible, green, and non-toxic cyclic oligosaccharide, was modified with Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles to create β-CD@Fe 3 O 4 . The nickel was then immobilized onto this support. The catalyst was characterized using FT-IR, XRD, TEM, AAS, FE-SEM, TGA, EDX, DRS-UV-Vis spectra, and VSM techniques. The catalytic activity of Ni@β-CD@Fe 3 O 4 was evaluated for the reduction of nitroarene compounds in water at 25 ℃. This nanocatalyst indicated great activity and selectivity in reducing various nitroarenes, including nitrobenzene, nitroaniline, nitrotoluene, and nitrophenol derivatives. Additionally, the catalyst showed significant reusability and could be easily separated using an external magnet, highlighting its potential for green chemistry and sustainable industrial applications.