Catalysis of the hydro-dechlorination of 4-chlorophenol and the reduction of 4-nitrophenol by Pd/Fe3O4@SiO2@m-SiO2

In this study, Pd nanoparticles functionalized on the surface of a Fe3O4@SiO2@m-SiO2 nano-catalyst has been synthesised with accessible active sites and ultra-large surface areas. The Pd/Fe3O4@SiO2@m-SiO2 nano-catalyst can be recovered by applying an external magnetic field. The catalytic activity of Pd/Fe3O4@SiO2@m-SiO2 is tested in the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol and the hydrodechlorination of 4-chlorophenol. The high catalytic activity is attributed to the well-dispersed Pd nanoparticles on the ultra-large surface of Fe3O4@SiO2@m-SiO2. Furthermore, the Pd/Fe3O4@SiO2@m-SiO2 nano-catalyst can be reused at least five times without significant loss in activity, which confirms its good stability. Therefore, the approach mentioned above that is based on core-shell structured magnetic Pd/Fe3O4@SiO2@m-SiO2 provides a useful platform for the fabrication of Pd NP based catalysts that feature easy accessibility, superior activity and convenient recovery.