The first report on the preparation of peptide nanofibers decorated with zirconium oxide nanoparticles applied as versatile catalyst for the amination of aryl halides and synthesis of biaryl and symmetrical sulfides

We have reported the preparation of peptide nanofibers decorated with zirconium oxide nanoparticles for the first time as a novel, non-toxic, inexpensive and recyclable catalyst for the amination of aryl halides and synthesis of biaryl and symmetrical sulfides (via reaction of aryl halides with S-8 or 2-thiobarbituric acid as sulfur transfer reagents). The structure of the catalyst was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), UV-visible absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy.