One-step synthesis of magnetically recyclable Co@BN core–shell nanocatalysts for catalytic reduction of nitroarenes

Abstract

We present a facile one-step synthesis of chemically stable and magnetic Co@BN core–shell nanoparticles. We found that Co@BN nanoparticles acted as excellent catalysts with high stability and magnetic recyclability for reduction of nitroarenes to aminoarenes under mild reaction conditions. The sample 13.6 wt% Co@BN showed the best catalytic activity for reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). In addition, a significant synergistic effect of the h-BN support was observed during the catalytic reaction by effectively adsorbing/concentrating and ionizing the reactant nitroaromatics. Moreover, the kinetics of the catalytic reaction were investigated at different reaction temperatures, 4-nitrophenol concentrations, sodium borohydride concentrations, metal loadings and catalyst amounts. The activation energy of the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol for 13.6 wt% Co@BN was determined to be 102.93 kJ mol⁻¹. This work provides a clear example of Co@BN core–shell nanoparticles as nanocatalysts.