Magnetic nickel nanoparticle catalyst on β-cyclodextrin-modified FeO for nitroarene hydrogenation.

This study developed a novel and highly active heterogeneous catalyst of nickel nanoparticles supported on β-cyclodextrin-grafted magnetic FeO nanoparticles (Ni@β-CD@FeO). β-CD, a biodegradable, biocompatible, green, and non-toxic cyclic oligosaccharide, was modified with FeO nanoparticles to create β-CD@FeO. The nickel was then immobilized onto this support. The catalyst was characterized using FT-IR, XRD, TEM, AAS, FE-SEM, TGA, EDX, DRS-UV-Vis spectra, and VSM techniques. The catalytic activity of Ni@β-CD@FeO was evaluated for the reduction of nitroarene compounds in water at 25 ℃. This nanocatalyst indicated great activity and selectivity in reducing various nitroarenes, including nitrobenzene, nitroaniline, nitrotoluene, and nitrophenol derivatives. Additionally, the catalyst showed significant reusability and could be easily separated using an external magnet, highlighting its potential for green chemistry and sustainable industrial applications.