Boosting chemoselective reduction of 4-nitrostyrene via photoinduced energetic electrons from in situ formed Cu nanoparticles on carbon dots

Abstract

Chemoselective hydrogenation of structurally diverse nitroarenes is a challenging process that often requires precious metal catalysts and proceeds in an organic solvent. Herein, a convenient and stable hybrid nanocatalyst combining carbon dots and copper nanoparticles is developed as an ideal alternative for this transformation. The as-prepared nanocatalyst achieves over 99% selectivity for the formation of 4-aminostyrene at 100% conversion of 4-nitrostyrene in an aqueous solvent under visible light irradiation. Compared with other reported catalysts, our presented catalyst shows more superior hydrogenation selectivity and stability as well as lower material cost. This high efficiency could be originated from the nanocatalyst's ability to synergistically control surface hydrogen species released from ammonia borane and energetic “hot” electrons induced by visible light irradiation for the selective reduction reaction. Compared with other reported catalysts, our presented nanocatalyst is better for the realization of energy-saving chemical processes by introducing solar energy.