Biomass-derived Fe-NC hybrid for hydrogenation with formic acid: control of Fe-based nanoparticle distribution. Issue 18 (13th March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, Lu; Wang, Bowei; Gao, Ruixiao; Zhang, Dan; Xu, Wensheng; Chen, Ligong; Yan, Xilong; Li, Yang
• Is Part Of: RSC advances. Volume 10:Issue 18(2020)
• Page Start: 10689
• Page End: 10694
• Publication Date: 2020-03-13
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/d0ra01356k
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-2069

Abstract

Abstract : A series of iron-based, N-doped carbon catalysts exhibits excellent activity in catalytic transfer hydrogenation of nitroarenes without base additive. Abstract : A series of Fe-NC catalysts were synthesized by pyrolyzing an Fe complex and wheat flour at 500 °C. All of them were characterized and applied in the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of nitroarenes with formic acid. It was found that the catalytic activity was significantly affected by the size and distribution of Fe-based nanoparticles (NPs), which could be easily regulated by altering the Fe source. Meanwhile, more basic nitrogen sites were preserved on the catalyst so that the reaction ran smoothly without base additives. Among all catalysts, Fe-NC-FeCl2 exhibited the best catalytic performance due to smaller Fe3 O4 NPs and greater N doping. Moreover, it showed excellent applicability for diverse nitroarenes. Obviously, this work demonstrates the importance of the metallic NPs' size and distribution, providing a new insight into the design of M-NC catalysts. The catalyst is economical and eco-friendly, and shows potential application value in industry.