Nickel nanoparticle/carbon catalysts derived from a novel aqueous-synthesized metal-organic framework for nitroarene reduction

Carbon-supported, non-noble metal-based catalysts derived from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are attractive alternatives to noble systems, but typical syntheses of the starting MOFs not desirable an environmental and practical perspective (e.g., they rely on non-innocuous organic solvents long reaction times). Here, we report preparation a Ni-based MOF in aqueous medium, at moderate temperature (95 °C) short time (<30 min), which was used as sacrificial template access family Ni nanoparticle/carbon hybrids that were then tested reduction 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). The MOF-derived exhibited mesoporous texture, with specific surface areas between ?250 450 m2 g?1 depending carbonization applied MOF, well high contents (between ?36 57 wt%). Notwithstanding latter, metal homogeneously distributed throughout carbon matrix hybrid quite resistant extensive agglomeration sintering, even temperatures 1000 °C. With increasing temperature, component seen go through different crystal phases, i.e., Ni3C phase ? hexagonal close-packed face-centered cubic phase. results catalytic tests suggested former latter phases be most active towards 4-NP, activity values 0.039 mol4-NP molNi?1 min?1.