Co/Cu bimetallic ZIF as New heterogeneous catalyst for reduction of nitroarenes and dyes

Nowadays one of the great challenges is to design new bimetallic catalysts with enhanced catalytic activity, selectivity and recycling properties. In this work, the preparation of new Co/Cu bimetallic Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework (Co-Cu/ZIF) as an efficient catalyst for the reduction of nitro compounds and organic dyes is described. Co-Cu/ZIF was characterized with different techniques such as SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, TGA, FT-IR and UV-vis absorption indicating formation of entirely uniform cubic particles. Using this catalyst, structurally different aromatic nitro compounds were reduced efficiently to corresponding amines in excellent yields. Kinetic studies revealed that the reduction rates of nitrophenol isomers follow 3-NP > 4-NP > 2-NP order. The catalytic activity of Co-Cu/ZIF was further investigated in the reduction of organic dyes such as methyl orange (MO) and rhodamine B (RhB). This catalyst was recycled for at least ten runs in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol without a noticeable decrease in activity and reused catalyst was characterized.