Bimetallic Ag/Cu supported hollow SiO2 sphere drives the efficient hydrogenation of nitroarenes

Constructing a low-cost and efficient catalyst is of high importance toward the hydrogenation of nitroarenes. In this work, we design an Ag/Cu bimetallic catalyst by supporting Ag/Cu nanoparticles on the surface of hollow SiO2 sphere (HS-Ag/Cu), in which SiO2 acts as a support to disperse silver and copper nanoparticles due to its hydrophilic surface and chemical inertness, making it easier to decrease the aggregation of metal nanoparticles. Notably, the hollow/porous structure of SiO2 considerably drives the diffusion of reactants/products by decreasing diffusion limitation, leading to an enhanced catalytic activity toward the hydrogenation of nitroarenes than monometallic catalyst. Furthermore, corresponding aniline is almost quantitatively produced, indicating a significantly practical potential.

Automated summary

A low-cost and efficient Ag/Cu bimetallic catalyst was designed by supporting nanoparticles on the surface of hollow SiO2 sphere, leading to decreased aggregation of metal nanoparticles. The hollow/porous structure of SiO2 significantly enhanced the diffusion of reactants/products and improved the catalytic activity toward nitroarenes hydrogenation. Additionally, almost quantitative production of corresponding aniline demonstrated practical potential.