Core shell‐structured NiFe2O4@TiO2 nanoparticle‐anchored reduced graphene oxide for rapid degradation of rhodamine B

In this work, the NiFe₂O₄@TiO₂/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) ternary nanocomposites with high saturation magnetization and catalytic efficiency have been synthesized through the following steps. First, graphene oxide was prepared using the modified Hummer's method. Second, the NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles were successfully prepared using the hydrothermal method. Third, the core shell‐structured NiFe₂O₄@TiO₂/RGO nanocomposite precursors were easily obtained through hydrolysis reaction. The morphology of NiFe₂O₄@TiO₂/RGO nanocomposites was characterized from scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) images. Moreover, the results of X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns proved that the TiO₂ coating shell consisted of anatase. The vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) measurements showed that the saturation magnetization value of NiFe₂O₄@TiO₂/RGO ternary nanocomposites was 25 emu/g. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis confirmed that only part of the graphite oxide (GO) was reduced to RGO in the ternary nanocomposite. The degradation experiments proved that NiFe₂O₄@TiO₂/RGO nanocomposite exhibited the high catalytic efficiency and outstanding recyclable performance for rhodamine B (RhB).     

Cobalt supported on dendronized magnetic nanoparticles: A new highly efficient and recyclable catalyst for the Mizoroki–Heck cross‐coupling reaction

Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) is one of the most interesting types of hyperbranched polymers that carry a large number of amino groups on its surface. PAMAM has gained significant attention from synthetic organic chemists due to its structural characteristics, controllable structure, inner porosity, and ability to trap a wide range of ions and molecules. So, in this work, the PAMAM dendrimer was synthesized, grafted onto the surface of magnetite nanoparticles, and the resulting hybrid nanoparticles were then employed as suitable host for immobilizing cobalt nanoparticles. The newly developed catalyst was well characterized by Fourier transform‐infrared, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, field emission‐scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy, element mapping and energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis. The efficiency of the as‐prepared nanocatalyst was evaluated for the Mizoroki–Heck cross‐coupling reactions. The MNP@PAMAM‐Co represented perfect catalytic efficiency and high selectivity for the Mizoroki–Heck cross‐coupling reaction compared with previously reported catalysts. The catalyst separation from the reaction mixture was easily achieved with the assistance of an external magnetic field, and its recycling was also investigated for five consecutive runs. Hot filtration confirmed no leaching of the active metal during the Heck coupling.     

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles–N‐heterocyclic carbene–palladium(II): a new,efficient and robust recyclable catalyst for Mizoroki–Heck and Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions

A new and efficient nanoparticle–N‐heterocyclic carbene–palladium complex was synthesized and characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, elemental analysis, inductively coupled plasma analysis and vibrating sample magnetometry. This catalytic system was found to be a highly active catalyst in the Mizoroki–Heck and Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions. These reactions were best performed in dimethylformamide and water, respectively, in the presence of only 0.054 mol% of palladium under mild conditions. Moreover, the catalyst could be recovered easily and reused at least ten times without any considerable loss of its catalytic activity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Palladium supported on diaminoglyoxime‐functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles as a magnetically separable nanocatalyst in Heck coupling reaction

A hybrid material of palladium supported on diaminoglyoxime‐functionalized Fe₃O₄ was used as an effective and recyclable catalyst in Mizoroki–Heck coupling reactions. The catalyst was very effective for the Mizoroki–Heck reaction of aryl halides with styrene and conversion was in most cases excellent. The yields of the products were in the range 75–98%. The catalyst showed good stability and could be recovered and reused for six reaction cycles without significant leaching and loss its catalytic activity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Magnetically thiamine palladium complex nanocomposites as an effective recyclable catalyst for facile sonochemical cross coupling reaction

The carbon–carbon cross coupling reactions through transition‐metal‐catalyzed processes has been significantly developed for their important synthetic applications. In this research, we have shown that NiFe₂O₄@TASDA‐Pd(0) is a highly active, novel and reusable catalyst with excellent performance for the Mizoroki–Heck coupling reaction of several types of iodo, bromo, and even aryl chlorides in DMF under ultrasound irradiation. The novel palladium catalyst prepared and characterized by using FT‐IR spectrum, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The catalyst can be recovered and recycled several times without marked loss of activity.     

Kryptofix 5 as an inexpensive and efficient ligand for the palladium‐catalyzed Mizoroki‐Heck reaction

A novel complex of PdCl₂ with a multidentate cryptand ligand, Kryptofix 5, has been prepared and characterized by various techniques including ¹H‐ and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), Raman, ultraviolet and visible (UV‐VIS) spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma (ICP), CHN elemental and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX). This heat‐ and air‐stable complex was utilized as a highly active catalyst for the Mizoroki‐Heck reaction of aryl halides with various olefins. Interestingly, it was found that aryl bromides as well as aryl iodides were efficiently cross‐coupled with terminal alkenes at 130 °C in 10 min. Furthermore, the least reactive aryl chlorides reacted with styrene to obtain the desired products in acceptable yields.     

Palladium–S‐propyl‐2‐aminobenzothioate immobilized on Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles as catalyst for Suzuki and Heck reactions in water or poly(ethylene glycol)

A moisture‐ and air‐stable heterogenized palladium catalyst was synthesized by coordination of palladium with S‐propyl‐2‐aminothiobenzamide supported on Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles. The prepared nanocatalyst was characterized using Fourier transform infrared, energy‐dispersive X‐ray and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopies, X‐ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometry, transmission and scanning electron microscopies, dynamic laser scattering and thermogravimetric analysis. This catalyst could be dispersed homogeneously in water or poly(ethylene glycol) and further applied as an excellent nano‐organometal catalyst for Suzuki and Heck reactions. The catalyst was easily separated with the assistance of an external magnet from the reaction mixture and reused for several consecutive runs without significant loss of its catalytic efficiency or palladium leaching. The leaching of catalyst was examined using hot filtration and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Also, the effects of various reaction parameters on the Suzuki and Heck reactions are discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Cu(II)‐supported graphene quantum dots modified NiFe2O4: A green and efficient catalyst for the synthesis of 4H‐pyrimido[2,1‐b]benzothiazoles in water

NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles are modified by graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and utilized to stabilize the Cu(II) nanoparticles as a novel magnetically retrievable catalytic system (Cu(II)/GQDs/NiFe₂O₄) for green formation of 4H‐pyrimido[2,1‐b]benzothiazoles. The prepared catalyst can be isolated assisted by an outer magnet and recovered for five courses without significant reduction in its efficiency. The as‐prepared magnetic heterogeneous nanocomposite was characterized by UV–Vis, FT‐IR, XRD, EDS, VSM, TEM, and ICP. Performing the reactions in environmentally friendly and affordable conditions (water), the low catalyst percentage, high yield of products, short reaction times, and easy workup are the merits of this protocol.     

Palladium nanoparticles immobilized on amphiphilic and hyperbranched polymer‐functionalized magnetic nanoparticles: An efficient semi‐heterogeneous catalyst for Heck reaction

To address the obstacles facing the use of palladium‐based homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts in C─C cross‐coupling reactions, a novel semi‐heterogeneous support was developed based on hyperbranched poly(ethylene glycol)‐block ‐poly(citric acid)‐functionalized Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄@PCA‐b ‐PEG). Because of the surface modification of the Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles with amphiphilic and hyperbranched polymers (PCA‐b ‐PEG), these hybrid materials are not only soluble in a wide range of solvents (e.g. water, ethanol and dimethylformamide) but also are able to trap Pd²⁺ ions via complex formation of free carboxyl groups of the PCA dendrimer with metal ions. The reduction of trapped palladium ions in the dendritic shell of Fe₃O₄@PCA‐b ‐PEG leads to immobilized palladium nanoparticles. The morphology and structural features of the catalyst were characterized using various microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. The catalyst was effectively used in the palladium‐catalysed Mizoroki–Heck coupling reaction in water as a green solvent. In addition, the catalyst can be easily recovered from the reaction mixture by applying an external magnetic field and reused for more than ten consecutive cycles without much loss in activity, exhibiting an example of a sustainable and green methodology.     

Magnetic NiFe2O4 nanoparticles: efficient,heterogeneous and reusable catalyst for synthesis of acetylferrocene chalcones and their anti‐tumour activity

A robust synthesis of magnetic NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles via a hydrothermal technique was investigated. The prepared magnetic NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles were characterized using powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high‐resolution TEM, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry. XRD and TEM analyses confirmed the formation of single‐phase ultrafine nickel ferrite nanoparticles with highly homogeneous cubic shape and elemental composition. Moreover, the prepared magnetic NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles were used as an efficient, cheap and eco‐friendly catalyst for the Claisen–Schmidt condensation reaction between acetylferrocene and various aldehydes (aromatic and/or heterocyclic) yielding acetylferrocene chalcones in excellent yields, with easy work‐up and reduced reaction time. The products were purified via crystallization. The structures of the produced compounds were elucidated using various spectroscopic analyses (¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, GC–MS). The catalyst is readily recovered by simple magnetic decantation and can be recycled several times with no discernible loss of catalytic activity. Furthermore, the prepared chalcone derivatives were evaluated for their anti‐tumour activity against three human tumour cell lines, namely HCT116 (colon cancer), MCF7 (breast cancer) and HEPG2 (liver cancer), and showed a good activity against colon cancer. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

N‐heterocyclic carbene–palladium(II) complex supported on magnetic mesoporous silica for Heck cross‐coupling reaction

Magnetic mesoporous silica was prepared via embedding magnetite nanoparticles between channels of mesoporous silica (SBA‐15). The prepared composite (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐SBA) was then reacted with 3‐chloropropyltriethoxysilane, sodium imidazolide and 2‐bromopyridine to give 3‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1H‐imidazol‐3‐iumpropyl‐functionalized Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐SBA as a supported pincer ligand for Pd(II). The functionalized magnetic mesoporous silica was further reacted with [PdCl₂(SMe₂)₂] to produce a supported N‐heterocyclic carbene–Pd(II) complex. The obtained catalyst was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, vibrating sample magnetometry, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area measurement and X‐ray diffraction. The amount of the loaded complex was 80.3 mg g^?1, as calculated through thermogravimetric analysis. The formation of the ordered mesoporous structure of SBA‐15 was confirmed using low‐angle X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Also, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the presence of the Pd(II) complex on the magnetic support. The prepared magnetic catalyst was then effectively used in the coupling reaction of olefins with aryl halides, i.e. the Heck reaction, in the presence of a base. The reaction parameters, such as solvent, base, temperature, amount of catalyst and reactant ratio, were optimized by choosing the coupling reaction of 1‐bromonaphthalene and styrene as a model Heck reaction. N‐Methylpyrrolidone as solvent, 0.25 mol% catalyst, K₂CO₃ as base, reaction temperature of 120°C and ultrasonication of the catalyst for 10 min before use provided the best conditions for the Heck cross‐coupling reaction. The best results were observed for aryl bromides and iodides while aryl chlorides were found to be less reactive. The catalyst exhibited noticeable stability and reusability.     

One‐pot synthesis of 1‐ and 5‐substituted 1H‐tetrazoles using 1,4‐dihydroxyanthraquinone–copper(II) supported on superparamagnetic Fe3O4@SiO2 magnetic porous nanospheres as a recyclable catalyst

An effective one‐pot, convenient process for the synthesis of 1‐ and 5‐substituted 1H‐tetrazoles from nitriles and amines is described using1,4‐dihydroxyanthraquinone–copper(II) supported on Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ magnetic porous nanospheres as a novel recyclable catalyst. The application of this catalyst allows the synthesis of a variety of tetrazoles in good to excellent yields. The preparation of the magnetic nanocatalyst with core–shell structure is presented by using nano‐Fe₃O₄ as the core, tetraethoxysilane as the silica source and poly(vinyl alcohol) as the surfactant, and then Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ was coated with 1,4‐dihydroxyanthraquinone–copper(II) nanoparticles. The new catalyst was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, thermogravimetric analysis, vibration sample magnetometry, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherm analysis and inductively coupled plasma analysis. This new procedure offers several advantages such as short reaction times, excellent yields, operational simplicity, practicability and applicability to various substrates and absence of any tedious workup or purification. In addition, the excellent catalytic performance, thermal stability and separation of the catalyst make it a good heterogeneous system and a useful alternative to other heterogeneous catalysts. Also, the catalyst could be magnetically separated and reused six times without significant loss of catalytic activity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mizoroki–Heck and Suzuki–Miyaura reactions mediated by poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid)‐stabilized magnetically separable palladium catalyst

The purpose of this work was to synthesize and characterize a new magnetic polymer nanosphere‐supported palladium(II) acetate catalyst for reactions requiring harsh conditions. In this regard, an air‐stable, moisture‐stable and highly efficient heterogenized palladium was synthesized by the coordination of palladium(II) acetate with poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid)‐grafted modified magnetic nanoparticles with a core–shell structure. The structure of the newly developed catalyst was characterized using various techniques. The catalytic activity of the resultant nano‐organometallic catalyst was evaluated in Mizoroki–Heck and Suzuki–Miyaura reactions to afford the corresponding coupling products in good to excellent yields. High selectivity as well as outstanding turnover number (14 143, 4900) and turnover frequency (28 296, 7424) values were recorded for the catalyst in Suzuki–Miyaura and Mizoroki–Heck reactions, respectively. Magnetic separation and recycling of the catalyst for at least six runs became possible without any significant loss of efficiency or any detectable palladium leaching.     

Polypyrrole/Fe3O4/CNT as a recyclable and highly efficient catalyst for one‐pot three‐component synthesis of pyran derivatives

Polypyrrole (PPY)/Fe₃O₄/CNT has been synthesized and characterized by FT‐IR, TEM and SEM techniques and its catalytic activity has been evaluated in the synthesis of several series of pyran derivatives. Tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyranes, 4H‐pyran‐3‐carboxylates, 4H,5H‐pyrano[3,2‐c]chromenes and dihydropyrano[2,3‐c]pyrazoles have been successfully prepared from one‐pot three‐component condensation of aldehyde, malononitrile and active methylene‐containing compounds (dimedone /ethyl acetoacetate/4‐hydroxycoumarin/3‐methyl‐2‐pyrazoline‐5‐one) using PPY/Fe₃O₄/CNT as a new and reusable heterogeneous catalyst. The present method offer several advantages such as; high yields of products, short reaction times, easy work‐up procedure and easy separation of the catalyst from the reaction mixture due to its magnetic character. Furthermore, chemoselective synthesis of bis‐benzo[b]pyran from terephthalaldehyde can be achieved by this method.     

Pd–Schiff base complex supported on Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles: A new and highly efficient reusable catalyst for C–C bond formation in water

A protocol is introduced for the preparation of a new cage‐like Pd–Schiff base organometallic complex supported on Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄@Schiff‐base‐Pd). The structure of the nanomagnetic catalyst was comprehensively characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray mapping, thermogravimetric analysis, vibrating sample magnetometry and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. In the second stage, the catalytic activity of this catalyst was studied in the Suzuki and Heck cross‐coupling reactions in water as a green solvent. In this sense, simple preparation of the catalyst from commercially available materials, high catalytic activity, simple operation, short reaction times, high yields and use of green solvent are some advantages of this protocol. Finally, the nanocatalyst was easily recovered, using an external magnet, and reused several times without significant loss of its catalytic efficiency. In addition, the stability of the catalyst after recycling was confirmed using SEM, XRD and FT‐IR techniques.     

Preparation of CoFe2O4/sawdust and NiFe2O4/sawdust magnetic nanocomposites for removal of oil from the water surface

In this study, CoFe₂O₄/Sawdust and NiFe₂O₄/Sawdust magnetic nanocomposites were synthesized using a hydrothermal method, and then characterized using X-ray powder diffraction, Infrared, scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller/Barrett–Joyner–Halenda, and vibrating-sample magnetometer techniques. In this study, unmodified sawdust (US), modified sawdust (MS), unmodified CoFe₂O₄/sawdust (UCS), modified CoFe₂O₄/sawdust (MCS), unmodified NiFe₂O₄/sawdust (UNS), and modified NiFe₂O₄/Sawdust (MNS) magnetic nanocomposites, which are inexpensive, economical, environmentally friendly absorbents, and have a high selective hydrophobic, were used for the removal of oil from the water surface. The results show that the UCS, MCS, UNS, and MNS magnetic nanocomposites can selectively absorb the oil spreading on the water surface, due to its superhydrophobicity and superoleophilicity, and can be easily collected from water under the influence of a magnetic field. In addition, the results showed that the absorbents reach their equilibrium at the 30-min mark. Among all the absorbents, the MNS magnetic nanocomposite showed the maximum absorption capacity (18.172 g/g) at the 40-min mark. The results of the kinetic studies showed that the second-order kinetic equation with the highest correlation coefficient had the best fit with the experimental results.     

Finely dispersed palladium on silk‐fibroin as an efficient and ligand‐free catalyst for Heck cross‐coupling reaction

A palladium–fibroin complex (Pd/Fib.) was prepared by the addition of sonicated fibroin fiber in water to palladium acetate solution. Pd (OAc)₂ was absorbed by fibroin and reduced with NaBH₄ at room temperature to the Pd(0) nanoparticles. Powder‐X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy–energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform‐infrared, CHN elemental analysis and inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectroscopy were carried out to characterize the Pd/Fib. catalyst. Catalytic activity of this finely dispersed palladium was examined in the Heck coupling reaction. The catalytic coupling of aryl halides (‐Cl, ‐Br, ‐I) and olefins led to the formation of the corresponding coupled products in moderate to high yields under air atmosphere. A variety of substrates, including electron‐rich and electron‐poor aryl halides, were converted smoothly to the targeted products in simple procedure. Heterogeneous supported Pd catalyst can be recycled and reused several times.     

Silica‐supported terpyridine palladium(II) complex as an efficient and reusable catalyst for Heck and Suzuki cross‐coupling reactions

Silica‐supported terpyridine palladium(II) was prepared and used as an effective and recyclable catalyst in Mizoroki–Heck and Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions. The catalyst was very effective for the Mizoroki–Heck reaction of aryl halides with olefins and conversion was in most cases excellent. The catalyst showed good thermal stability (up to 230 °C) and could be recovered and reused for four reaction cycles. The Suzuki coupling of aryl iodides with aryl boronic acids in the presence of the catalyst was also investigated and the reaction proceeded with a short reaction time and excellent conversion. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hydrothermal Synthesis of g‐C3N4/NiFe2O4 Nanocomposite and Its Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity

Herein, for the first time, a direct Z‐scheme g‐C₃N₄/NiFe₂O₄ nanocomposite photocatalyst was prepared using facile one‐pot hydrothermal method and characterized using XRD, FT‐IR, DRS, PL, SEM, EDS, TEM, HRTEM, XPS, BET and VSM characterized techniques. The result reveals that the NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles are loaded on the g‐C₃N₄ sheets successfully. The photocatalytic activities of the as‐prepared photocatalysts were evaluated for the degradation of methyl orange (MO) under visible light irradiation. It was shown that the photocatalytic activity of the g‐C₃N₄/NiFe₂O₄ nanocomposite is about 4.4 and 3 times higher than those of the pristine NiFe₂O₄ and g‐C₃N₄ respectively. The enhanced photocatalytic activity could be ascribed to the formation of g‐C₃N₄/NiFe₂O₄ direct Z‐scheme photocatalyst, which results in efficient space separation of photogenerated charge carriers. More importantly, the as‐prepared Z‐scheme photocatalyst can be recoverable easily from the solution by an external magnetic field and it shows almost the same activity for three consecutive cycles. Considering the simplicity of preparation method, this work will provide new insights into the design of high‐performance magnetic Z‐scheme photocatalysts for organic contaminate removal.     

One‐step synthesis of Pt@three‐dimensional graphene composite hydrogel: an efficient recyclable catalyst for reduction of 4‐nitrophenol

A Pt@three‐dimensional graphene (Pt@3DG) composite hydrogel with a unique porous nanostructure was prepared and used as an efficient, recyclable and robust catalyst for the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol to 4‐aminophenol under mild conditions. The influence of graphene architecture on catalytic activities was comparatively investigated by loading the same amount of Pt on reduced graphene oxide. Pt@3DG exhibits a very high catalytic activity owing to the three‐dimensional macroporous framework with high specific surface area, numerous activation sites and efficient transport pathways. Moreover, catalyst separation can be easily achieved by simple filtration, and the catalyst can be reused for at least five runs, maintaining its high catalytic activity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.