CoFe2O4-Pd (0) Nanocomposite: Magnetically Recyclable Catalyst

Abstract

This study reports on the fabrication and characterization of magnetically recyclable catalysts of CoFe2O4-Pd (0) nanocomposite as highly effective catalysts for reduction reactions (hydrogenation reactions) in liquid phase. The CoFe2O4 nanoparticles were prepared by a sonochemical method, and the reduction of Pd2+ was accomplished with polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG-400). The formation of CoFe2O4-Pd (0) magnetically recyclable catalysts (MRCs) was confirmed by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma. Vibrating sample magnetometer showed the ferromagnetic property of the product. The crystallite size (16 +/- 4 nm) obtained from XRD was consistent with the particle size (15 +/- 5 nm) from TEM. Thus, formed CoFe2O4-Pd (0) MRCs showed a very high activity in reduction reactions of 4-nitroaniline and 1,3-dinitrobenzene in liquid phase. Magnetic character of this system allowed recovery and multiple uses without significant loss of its catalytic activity.