We report the synthesis of bimetallic nanoflake-shaped Pd–Pt–Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NP’s) and their application to the reduction of nitro- compounds. Using simple hydrothermal procedure, we decorated nano sized crystals of platinum and palladium on Fe3O4 NPs’ surface. The nanoflake-shaped Pd-Pt–Fe3O4 NPs were employed for efficient one-pot cascade catalysis including dehydrogenation of ammonia borane and reduction of nitro compounds to anilines in methanol at room temperature. Development of efficient methods for the reduction of nitro compounds becomes one of the important synthetic methods in relation with the advent of various medicinal and display materials. The reactions using the Pd–Pt–Fe3O4 catalyst proceeded faster than those using either Pd–Fe3O4, Pt–Fe3O4 or the combination of both Pd–Fe3O4 and Pt–Fe3O4 catalysts, suggesting a unique “synergistic effect” of the bimetallic nano-catalyst system. The catalyst could be recycled through the use of an external magnet in a very straightforward manner and was reusable for over 250 times without loss of its catalytic activity. Thus, this new catalyst could offer a very sustainable, useful and environment-friendly tool for potential industrial applications in the reduction of nitro compounds.

Pd–Pt alloy on Fe3O4 for tandem ammonia borane dehydrogenation/nitroarene reduction as magnetically recyclable nanoatalysts

255th National Meeting (2018)

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