Catalytic activity of Fe@Ag nanoparticle involved calcium alginate beads for the reduction of nitrophenols

Abstract

A novel highly efficient and recyclable catalyst based on Fe@Ag bimetallic nanoparticles involved p-aminothiophenol (ATP) functionalized calcium alginate (Fe@Ag-ATP-CA) beads was prepared and characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The catalytic properties of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and 2-nitrophenol (2-NP) were performed using Fe@Ag-ATP-CA catalyst synthesized in the presence of sodium borohydride (NaBH4). The effects of various variables such as the catalyst dosage, the concentration of sodium borohydride, and temperature were also investigated. The rates of catalytic reduction of 4-NP and 2-NP compounds have been found as the sequence: 4-NP > 2-NP. The kinetic models and the thermodynamic parameters were studied to show the reduction mechanisms. The Fe@Ag-ATP-CA catalyst has highly efficient recyclability and excellent catalytic activity. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.