Utilization of Environmentally Benign Hydrogels and Their Networks as Reactor Media in the Catalytic Reduction of Nitrophenols

Iron particles were synthesized inside poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propansulfonic acid) (p(AMPS)) and used as a catalyst in the reduction of nitro benzene and 4-nitrophenol to aniline and 4-aminophenol, respectively, in acidic medium. It was demonstrated that hydrogel networks can be used effectively as catalysis media in the reduction of some organic toxic materials. The results verified that iron particles containing p(AMPS) hydrogel networks yield faster conversion rates. Additionally, iron nanoparticles containing p(AMPS) hydrogel networks could catalyze the reaction, giving 32% yield without any added cocatalyst, providing self cocatalyst mission.