Highly dispersed Pd nanoparticles supported by magnetically separable Fe3O4@ SiO2 nanotube for catalytic hydrogenation of nitroaromatics

Selective hydrogenation of nitroaromatics is a crucial industrial reaction, but there are still challenges in developing nanocatalysts with stable active centers, yet easily recyclable characteristics. Here, a magnetically separable Pd/Fe3O4@SiO2 nanocatalyst was prepared through the seeding growth of silica on the Fe3O4 nanocrystal cluster (NC) followed by in situ reduction of Pd nanoparticles (NPs) on the amino group modified Fe3O4@SiO2 nannotube (NT). The nanocatalyst showed good activity and stability in the hydrogenation of a series of nitroaromatics as the Pd NPs were highly dispersed on the nanotubes. Meanwhile, it could be easily separated from the reaction solution and well-redispersed in the solvent for the next-round reaction due to the superparamagnetic property of the Fe3O4 NC and the good dispersibility of silica in many organic solvents. The magnetically separable nanocatalyst combined the high activity of the nanocatalyst and the convenient separation of a traditional heterogeneous catalyst, which effectively promote the practical application of nanomaterials in catalysis.

Tailored Engineering of Layered Double Hydroxide Catalysts for Biomass Valorization: A Way Towards Waste to Wealth

Layered double hydroxides (LDH) have significant attention in recent times due to their unique characteristic properties, including layered structure, variable compositions, tunable acidity and basicity, memory effect, and their ability to transform into various kinds of catalysts, which make them desirable for various types of catalytic applications, such as electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, and thermocatalysis. In addition, the upcycling of lignocellulose biomass and its derived compounds has emerged as a promising strategy for the synthesis of valuable products and fine chemicals. The current review focuses on recent advancements in LDH-based catalysts for biomass conversion reactions. Specifically, this review highlights the structural features and advantages of LDH and LDH-derived catalysts for biomass conversion reactions, followed by a detailed summary of the different synthesis methods and different strategies used to tailor their properties. Subsequently, LDH-based catalysts for hydrogenation, oxidation, coupling, and isomerization reactions of biomass-derived molecules are critically summarized in a very detailed manner. The review concludes with a discussion on future research directions in this field which anticipates that further exploration of LDH-based catalysts and integration of cutting-edge technologies into biomass conversion reactions hold promise for addressing future energy challenges, potentially leading to a carbon-neutral or carbon-positive future.