Nickel nanoparticles adorned on magnetized cellulose nanofibers: ultrasound-facilitated cross coupling reactions

An eco-friendly approach is described for the generation of Ni nanoparticles on a magnetized cellulose biopolymer wherein the adorned biopolymer mimics a core-shell type nanocomposite (Fe3O4@CNF@Ni) is realized via sonication. The physicochemical and morphological specifications of the ensued nanocomposite were characterized using various advanced techniques like FT-IR, FESEM, TEM, EDX, VSM, BET-BJH, DLS, XRD, TGA, XPS and ICP-OES. The catalytic performance of the Fe3O4@CNF@Ni was evaluated in the ultrasound-assisted classical Hiyama and Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions for the synthesis of a variety of biaryl derivatives; superior performance was discerned for both the protocols where sonication played a vital role relative to conventional heating for expeditious reaction, easier work-up and higher yields. Hot filtration and Hg toxication tests for the nanocomposite, Fe3O4@CNF@Ni revealed higher stability, and low metal leaching. Its heterogeneous nature as the magnetically retrievable catalyst could be ascertained by reuse in up to seven successive cycles without significant loss of efficacy.

Automated summary

An eco-friendly approach was used to generate Ni nanoparticles on a magnetized cellulose biopolymer, resulting in a core-shell type nanocomposite (Fe3O4@CNF@Ni). The nanocomposite was characterized using various advanced techniques and its catalytic performance was evaluated in the synthesis of biaryl derivatives. The results showed that the nanocomposite exhibited high stability and catalytic efficiency.