Noncovalent functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes as metal-free catalysts for the reduction of nitrobenzene

Abstract

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes were functionalized with small organic molecules containing specific ketonic carbonyl groups through noncovalent van der Waals and π–π interactions. The comparison of intrinsic activities for a series of catalysts indicates that the carbonyl groups are active sites in the reduction of nitrobenzene, and the catalysts functionalized with phenanthraquinone exhibit relatively high activity and selectivity.