N,S‐rGO/CuFe₂O₄ nanocomposite as an efficient photocatalyst for reducing nitroaromatic compounds to their corresponding aminoaromatics using radiation of visible light

Abstract

This study reports on developing a novel photocatalyst, N,S‐rGO/CuFe2O4, which can efficiently reduce nitroaromatic compounds to corresponding aminoaromatics under visible radiation. The synthesis of this photocatalyst involved simultaneous doping of nitrogen and sulfur elements into the carbon substrate of graphene oxide, its reduction, and coupling of CuFe2O4 nanoparticles in graphene oxide layers via a hydrothermal method. Various techniques such as XRD, XPS, FTIR, Raman, FESEM, TEM, EDAX, map scanning, PL, EIS, BET, and DRS were used to characterize and identify the synthesized product. Hydrazine monohydrate was employed as a hydrogen source for the reaction under investigation. These investigations proved the prosperous doping of nitrogen and sulfur elements into the graphene oxide structure, successful coupling of CuFe2O4 nanoparticles in graphene oxide sheets, and partial reduction of graphene oxide. In addition, we evaluated the recyclability and reusability of the photocatalyst for the reduction of nitroaromatic compounds over seven cycles and found no appreciable changes in reaction conversion.