Reducing agent free synthesis of palladium nanoparticles using Schiff base complex and study of its catalytic activity towards reduction of p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol

Abstract

A simple and facile synthesis of Palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) by solvothermal method using a Schiff base Pd [N,N-bis (5-chloro salicylaldehyde) o-phenylenediamine] complex without use of any reducing agent has been reported here. The as-prepared Pd NPs was further characterized by various techniques such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX) and Transmission Electron microscopy (TEM). The catalytic activity of Pd nanoparticles was also performed toward reduction of 4-NP to 4-AP in presence of aqueous solution of NaBH4 at room temperature. This catalyst has excellent catalytic activity for reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol within 9 min and has excellent reusability for three successive cycles. This enhanced catalytic activity was attributed due to formation of metallic Pd(0) nanoparticles and smaller particle size.