Biologically bound nickel as a sustainable catalyst for the selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde

With mounting concerns over critical element sustainability in future bio-refineries, the conversion of phyto-extracted nickel (from contaminated lands) into an inexpensive and clean catalyst could help to reduce demand for virgin precious metals. Utilizing this green approach, noble metal catalysts, which require substantial downstream processing, potentially be replaced by a naturally developed non-noble catalyst. We report biologically bound (Ni-phytocat, 0.1–2.5 wt% Ni) prepared using simple, one-step, energy efficient, microwave-assisted pyrolysis (250 ℃ , 200 W, <10 min). The Ni plant matrix directs catalytic hydrogenation cinnamaldehyde selectively efficiently (up 97% 96% selectivity at T ≤120 ), Our findings indicate that presence bio-carbon around enables efficient suppression over-hydrogenation reaction pathway prevents further dissociation adsorbed hydrocinnamaldehyde molecules. simplicity, long-term stability ease handling make economically environmentally attractive alternative Raney metal–based catalysts. • Sustainable cost-efficient feedstocks avoid multi-step processes need traditionally mined metal. One-step in-situ biosynthesis safe air stable (phytocat) microwaves. Phytocat utilizes strategies beyond waste-to-energy harness circular chemical potential biomass. Biologically efficiently.