Solvent-free synthesis of Co@NC catalyst with Co—N species as active sites for chemoselective hydrogenation of nitro compounds

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) derived Co-based catalysts have received extensive attention in the chemoselective hydrogenation of nitroarenes, while they usually require a lot solvent during synthesis and identification active species. This study explores solid-phase strategy to obtain MOF precursors without using any solvent, which is then foamed pyrolyzed synthesize Co@NC-X catalyst. It was found that nitrogen-doped graphene shell can well encapsulate Co nanoparticles. The resulting catalyst, at 800°C, exhibited ~100% conversion for 3-nitrostyrene >99% selectivity 3-vinylaniline. catalyst also showed excellent stability good substrate universality substituted nitroarenes. Various characterizations revealed positive relationship between catalytic performance content Co—N species tuned by pyrolysis temperature. work provides novel green design an efficient hydrogenation.