Efficient Cd/Ce nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and the oxidation of olefins: experimental and theoretical study

Publication date: Available online 11 January 2020Source: Materials Research BulletinAuthor(s): Maryam Lashanizadegan, Maryam Anafcheh, Hoda Mirzazadeh, Parisa GholipoorAbstractReduced graphene oxide-supported cadmium and cerium nanoparticles (Cd/Ce/RGO) were prepared by a simple and economical method, with ethanol as an ecofriendly solvent. Cd/Ce/RGO was employed as catalysts in two different reactions: the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) and the oxidation of olefins. The results of the reduction reaction showed that 98% of 4-NP was decreased in the presence of Cd/Ce/RGO (Cd to Ce 3:1 (w/w)) as the catalyst and NaBH4 as the reducing agent with a constant rate of 4.9/min and a reaction time of 1 min. Moreover, the catalytic activity of Cd/Ce/RGO in the oxidation reaction of styrene revealed that>99% selectivity towards the benzaldehyde product and a conversion of>99% were achieved. The DFT results indicated that the product can leave the active sites of graphene oxide surfaces easily and that the next 4-NP can be adsorbed successfully.Graphical abstract
Source: Materials Research Bulletin - Category: Materials Science Source Type: research