Catalytic activity of MOF derived CuFe@C catalysts for catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol

The fabrication of porous carbon-based materials from metal organic frameworks have been found useful and efficient route in catalytic applications. The active and reusable Cu@C and CuFe@C bimetallic catalysts were prepared by direct carbonization of HKUST-1 and Fe-doped HKUST-1 and tested for the catalytic reduction of 4nitrophenol (4-NP). Through various characterization techniques (XRD, SEM, TGA, N2 adsorption, XPS and FTIR), doping of Fe into the composite structure was confirmed. The results demonstrate that Cu0.8Fe0.2@C exhibited enhanced catalytic activity than Cu@C. Cu0.8Fe0.2@C completed the 4-NP reduction reaction in 60 s using NaBH4 as reducing agent. The recyclable, highly stable catalyst has the potential in conversion of harmful pollutants into useful substances.

Automated summary

The fabrication of porous carbon-based materials from metal organic frameworks has been found to be a useful and efficient route for catalytic applications. Cu@C and CuFe@C bimetallic catalysts were prepared by direct carbonization of HKUST-1 and Fe-doped HKUST-1 and demonstrated enhanced catalytic activity in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). Doping of Fe into the composite structure was confirmed through various characterization techniques, and Cu0.8Fe0.2@C exhibited superior activity compared to Cu@C, converting 4-NP to useful substances in 60 seconds using NaBH4 as the reducing agent.