Efficient reduction of nitroarenes in water catalyzed by reusable Pd nanoparticles immobilized on chitosan-functionalized graphene oxide

Abstract

Graphene oxide was functionalized with chitosan for palladium immobilization (GO–Chit–Pd), which was used as an efficient catalyst for the reduction of aromatic nitro compounds using sodium borohydride in water. To achieve the best catalytic efficacy, various parameters such as temperature, solvent, mole ratio of hydrogen sources, and the amount of catalyst were optimized. The method has been applied to the reduction of a broad range of nitroarenes with different properties. The easy purification, convenient operation, environmental friendliness, and high product yields render this method viable for use. The nanocatalyst can be easily separated and efficiently recovered and reused for multiple cycles without appreciable loss in its catalytic activity.