A Novel Hydrogenation of Nitroarene Compounds with Multi Wall Carbon Nanotube Supported Palladium/Copper Nanoparticles (PdCu@MWCNT NPs) in Aqueous Medium

A novel nanocatalyst, multi-wall carbon nanotube supported palladium/copper (PdCu@MWCNT) nanoparticles, was synthesized for the reduction of nitroarene compounds. Characterization of the nanocatalyst was achieved by XRD, XPS, TEM, and Raman spectroscopy analysis. In this study, the hydrogenation of nitroarenes to primary amine compounds was achieved in aqueous medium at room temperature. The aniline derivatives were synthesized with high yields at mild conditions via novel PdCu@MWCNT nanocatalyst. The conversion of nitroarenes to amine derivatives was accomplished at 99% efficiency. In addition to its high activity, the PdCu@MWCNT catalyst was determined to be stable and reusable after the 3rd consecutive use for the reaction and provided 99% conversion of various compounds in the reduction reaction.