In situ preparation, characterization, magnetic and catalytic studies of surfactant free RGO/Fe(x)Co(100-x) nanocomposites.

A novel, "wet" and "clean" methodology was developed to prepare Fe(x)Co(100-x) nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) surfaces in an aqueous solution through a coreduction process. Without any surface treatment, Fe(x)Co(100-x) nanoparticles can in situ grow on the RGO sheets. It was found that RGO nanosheets can effectively prevent the aggregation of Fe(x)Co(100-x) nanoparticles. The results reveal that the RGO/Fe(x)Co(100-x) nanocomposites have ferromagnetic characteristics and show composition dependent magnetic properties. The effectiveness of the as-prepared RGO/Fe(x)Co(100-x) nanocomposites as solid phase heterogeneous catalysts have been evaluated, for the first time, on the well-known 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) reduction to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) in the presence of excess sodium borohydride. The effect of initial 4-NP concentration, and catalyst loading dose were evaluated. The catalyst efficiency was examined on the basis of turnover frequency (TOF) and recyclability. The RGO/Fe25Co75 nanocomposites exhibit good catalytic activity toward 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) reduction and the graphene oxide (GO) supports also enhance the catalytic activity via a synergistic effect. The as-prepared RGO/Fe(x)Co(100-x) nanocomposite catalysts are very efficient, stable, easy to prepare, eco-friendly, cost-effective, and have potential industrial applications.