One-pot synthesis of FexOy nanoparticles embedded within N-doped carbon layers as highly efficient and selective catalysts for the hydrogenation of nitroarenes

Abstract

Inhibiting the side reactions while promoting hydrogenation are the main target for the production of functional anilines from nitroarenes; consequently, the preparation of an ideal catalyst to improve chemical selectivity is one of the hot issues. In this work, we provided an easy-to-prepare catalyst with N-doped carbon layers, where the FexOy nanoparticles were encapsulated and distributed uniformly. The structural features of catalyst were characterized by several techniques, and the selected catalyst was next applied to the hydrogenation of nitrobenzene under varied conditions, involving temperature, holding period and H2 pressure. Subsequently, we conducted the synthesis of more than 16 substrates for the corresponding anilines with varied functional groups. The hydrogenation protocol to gram-scale synthesis as well as lifecycle performance were also demonstrated in the batch reactor, together with the explanation of its catalytic mechanisms. Overall, the present work provides an available preparation of simple but highly efficient catalysts for the production or aromatic amines, which will be benefit for the sustainable development of this field in near future.