Copper ferrite–graphene hybrid: a highly efficient magnetic catalyst for chemoselective reduction of nitroarenes

Abstract

In this paper, a superparamagnetic copper ferrite–graphene hybrid nanocomposite (CuFe₂O₄–G) was synthesized by a hydrothermal method and used as an efficient catalyst for the reduction of nitroarenes for the first time. The method has been applied to a broad range of compounds with different properties. The CuFe₂O₄–G catalyst can be readily recovered and reused for at least five consecutive cycles without significant loss of its catalytic activity.