Reduction of Nitroaromatics to Amines with Cellulose Supported Bimetallic Pd/Co Nanoparticles

Pd and Co nanoparticles were deposited on cellulose for use as a heterogeneous catalyst in the bimetallic catalytic reduction reaction. The catalyst was characterized with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction pattern, Thermal Gravimetric Analysis, Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, and Transmission Electron Microscopy, and applied in the reduction reaction of nitroaromatics using NaBH4 at room temperature. Aromatic amines were obtained as the sole product of the reduction reaction during 2h. This reaction has some advantages such as mild reaction conditions, high yield, green solvent, and recyclable catalyst. Also, the recovered catalyst is applicable in the reduction reaction for 4 times without a significant decrease in the activity.