Green synthesis of reduced graphene oxide/Fe3O4/Ag ternary nanohybrid and its application as magnetically recoverable catalyst in the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol

Materials having both magnetic and catalytic properties have shown great potential for practical applications. Here, a reduced graphene oxide/iron oxide/silver nanohybrid (rGO/Fe₃O₄/Ag NH) ternary material was prepared by green synthesis of Ag on pre‐synthesized rGO/Fe₃O₄. The as‐prepared rGO/Fe₃O₄/Ag NH was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffractometry, Raman spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, transmission electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. rGO sheets were covered with Fe₃O₄ (8–16 nm) and Ag (18–40 nm) nanoparticles at high densities. The mass percentages were 13.47% (rGO), 62.52% (Fe₃O₄) and 24.01% (Ag). rGO/Fe₃O₄/Ag NH exhibited superparamagnetic behavior with high saturated magnetization (29 emu g⁻¹ at 12 kOe), and efficiently catalyzed the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) with a rate constant of 0.37 min⁻¹, comparable to those of Ag‐based nanocatalysts. The half‐life of 4‐NP in the presence of rGO/Fe₃O₄/Ag NH was ca 1.86 min. rGO/Fe₃O₄/Ag NH could be magnetically collected and reused, and retained a high conversion efficiency of 94.4% after the fourth cycle. rGO/Fe₃O₄/Ag NH could potentially be used as a magnetically recoverable catalyst in the reduction of 4‐NP and environmental remediation.     

Green synthesis and characterization of Ag and Ag/Fe3O4 nanocomposites for antimicrobial effect and rhodamine- B dye degradation

We used a simple two-stage tactic to design and synthesize a magnetically separable catalyst (MSC) Ag/Fe₃O₄ by combining independently synthesized Fe₃O₄ and Jatropha curcas root functionalized Ag nanoparticles (NPs) at room temperature. The phase composition of Ag/Fe₃O₄ NCs was revealed by morphological and structural assessment. The derived Ag/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites demonstrated outstanding antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa comparing to Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis which was determined by the agar well diffusion method. This is due to positively charged surface of metal oxide NPs that may bind to cell membrane. Interestingly, Ag–Fe₃O₄ NCs demonstrated good photocatalytic activity for organic dye degradation. According to a kinetic study, Ag/Fe₃O₄ MSC removed 99% of Rhodamine B at a rate constant of 1.89 min^?1. The photoelectron could perhaps ultimately collide only with dissolved solids in the substrate to form superoxides, which can damage the dye. Notably, the MSCs reusability was tested using magnetic detachment without sacrificing photocatalytic efficiency. This finding represents a significant breakthrough in the domain of wastewater treatment and biomedicine.     

Encapsulation of Pd(II) into superparamagnetic nanoparticles grafted with EDTA and their catalytic activity towards reduction of nitroarenes and Suzuki–Miyaura coupling

A robust, safe and magnetically recoverable palladium catalyst was synthesized by anchoring Pd(II) onto ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid‐coated Fe₃O₄ (Fe₃O₄@EDTA) magnetic nanoparticles. The Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticle‐supported Pd(II)–EDTA complex catalyst thus obtained was characterized using scanning and transmission electron microscopies, thermogravimetric analysis, vibrating sample magnetometry, X‐ray diffraction, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies. Fe₃O₄@EDTA–Pd(II) was screened for the Suzuki reaction and reduction of nitro compounds in water. The Pd content of the catalyst was measured to be 0.28 mmol Pd g^?1. In addition, the Fe₃O₄@EDTA–Pd catalyst can be easily separated and recovered with an external permanent magnet. The anchored solid catalyst can be recycled efficiently and reused five times with only a very slight loss of catalytic activity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Copper(I)–creatine complex on magnetic nanoparticles as a green catalyst for N- and O-arylation in deep eutectic solvent

Immobilization of copper(I) ions on magnetic nanoparticles was performed using surface modification of Fe₃O₄ with creatine. Fe₃O₄@creatine-Cu(I) magnetic catalyst was synthesized and applied in C&bond;X cross-coupling reactions with aryl halides in a deep eutectic as a green solvent. The results indicate the Fe₃O₄@creatine-Cu(I) magnetic nanoparticles showed excellent activity and high stability. In addition, it was revealed that this catalyst can be recycled five times without significant loss in catalytic activity.     

Synthesis and characterization of magnetic dichromate hybrid nanomaterials with triphenylphosphine surface modified iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4@SiO2@PPh3@Cr2O72−)

In this study, a new magnetic hybrid nanomaterials Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@PPh₃@Cr₂O₇²⁻ is introduced. First, the magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles have been synthesized by co-precipitation method. Then, tetraethyl orthosilicate has been used for production of core–shell nanoparticles Fe₃O₄@SiO₂. The core–shell magnetic nanoparticles system Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ functionalization was synthesized using (3-chloropropyl) trimethoxysilane and triphenylphosphine and the cationic part was prepared for immobilization of anionic part of the Cr (VI) catalysts including Cr₂O₇²⁻. After immobilization of the catalyst, its structure was detected by using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), solid state UV–Vis, elemental analysis, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the particle size and morphology were elaborated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and XRD. Magnetism properties were quantified by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM).     

Magnetic Nanohybrids Loaded with Bimetal Core–Shell–Shell Nanorods for Bacteria Capture,Separation, and Near‐Infrared Photothermal Treatment

A novel antimicrobial nanohybrid based on near‐infrared (NIR) photothermal conversion is designed for bacteria capture, separation, and sterilization (killing). Positively charged magnetic reduced graphene oxide with modification by polyethylenimine (rGO–Fe₃O₄–PEI) is prepared and then loaded with core–shell–shell Au–Ag–Au nanorods to construct the nanohybrid rGO–Fe₃O₄–Au–Ag–Au. NIR laser irradiation melts the outer Au shell and exposes the inner Ag shell, which facilitates controlled release of the silver shell. The nanohybrids combine physical photothermal sterilization as a result of the outer Au shell with the antibacterial effect of the inner Ag shell. In addition, the nanohybrid exhibits high heat conductivity because of the rGO and rapid magnetic‐separation capability that is attributable to Fe₃O₄. The nanohybrid provides a significant improvement of bactericidal efficiency with respect to bare Au–Ag–Au nanorods and facilitates the isolation of bacteria from sample matrixes. A concentration of 25 μg mL^?1 of nanohybrid causes 100 % capture and separation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (1×10⁸ cfu mL^?1) from an aqueous medium in 10 min. In addition, it causes a 22 °C temperature rise for the surrounding solution under NIR irradiation (785 nm, 50 mW cm^?2) for 10 min. With magnetic separation, 30 μg mL^?1 of nanohybrid results in a 100 % killing rate for E. coli O157:H7 cells. The facile bacteria separation and photothermal sterilization is potentially feasible for environmental and/or clinical treatment.     

Zeolite-supported silver and silver�Ciron nanoclusters and their activities as photodecomposition catalysts

Catalysts containing nanoclusters of Ag(I) and Fe₂O₃ as dopants with sodalite and Y zeolite supports have been investigated in order to develop a more efficient catalyst for photodecomposition of the pesticide carbaryl and to gain insight about the reaction mechanism. Ag(I)?Csodalite, Ag(I)/Fe₂O₃?Csodalite, Ag(I)?CY zeolite, and Ag(I)/Fe₂O₃?CY zeolite were synthesized by ion-exchange techniques and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), solid-state luminescence, UV?Cvisible absorption, and atomic absorption spectroscopy measurements. The luminescence activity of the sodalite-supported and Y zeolite-supported catalysts was significantly different. Catalyst performance studies were conducted using carbaryl as the target compound and specific wavelengths of UV light as photon sources for the experiments. The studies showed that each catalyst??s performance was determined primarily by the specific wavelength of the UV light with which the system was irradiated. The studies also showed that inclusion of Fe₂O₃ as dopant enhanced the reactivity of the catalysts in several instances, with the Ag(I)/Fe₂O₃?Csodalite catalyst and 298 nm irradiation being the most reactive of the systems studied. Additional reactions using each catalyst and 298 nm irradiation, and including either sodium bicarbonate as hydroxyl radical scavenger or D₂O as solvent, showed that hydroxyl radicals were likely intermediates in the catalyzed photodecomposition reaction.     

Zinc cation supported on carrageenan magnetic nanoparticles: A novel,green and efficient catalytic system for one‐pot three‐component synthesis of quinoline derivatives

This is the first report of supporting zinc cation on ƛ‐carrageenan/Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles. The structural and magnetic properties of this hybrid (Zn²⁺/ƛ‐carrageenan/Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles) were identified using various techniques. This green and efficient catalytic system was applied in the synthesis of biologically important quinolines. The products were obtained in good to high yields (52–95%) from a one‐pot reaction procedure involving aromatic aldehydes, enolizable aldehydes and aniline derivatives. Our method has many advantages such as mild reaction conditions, easy work‐up, use of a reusable magnetic catalyst and high yields of products.     

Threonine stabilizer‐controlled well‐dispersed small palladium nanoparticles on modified magnetic nanocatalyst for Heck cross‐coupling process in water

We report the synthesis of magnetically separable Fe₃O₄@Silica‐Threonine‐Pd⁰ magnetic nanoparticles with a core–shell structure. After synthesis of Fe₃O₄@Silica, threonine as an efficient stabilizer/ligand was bonded to the surface of Fe₃O₄@Silica. Then, palladium nanoparticles were generated on the threonine‐modified catalyst. The threonine stabilizer helps to generate palladium nanoparticles of small size (less than 4 nm) with high dispersity and uniformity. Magnetically separable Fe₃O₄@Silica‐Threonine‐Pd⁰ nanocatalyst was fully characterized using various techniques. This nanocatalyst efficiently catalysed the Heck cross‐coupling reaction of a variety of substrates in water medium as a green, safe and inexpensive solvent at 80°C. The Fe₃O₄@Silica‐Threonine‐Pd⁰ catalyst was used for at least eight successful consecutive runs with palladium leaching of only 0.05%.     

Iron oxide modified with pyridyl‐triazole ligand for stabilization of gold nanoparticles: An efficient heterogeneous catalyst for A3 coupling reaction in water

Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were modified with pyridyl‐triazole ligand and the new magnetic solid was applied for the stabilization of very small and uniform gold nanoparticles. The resulting magnetic material, Fe₃O₄@PT@Au, was characterized using various methods. These gold nanoparticles on a magnetic support were applied as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the three‐component reaction of amines, aldehydes and alkynes (A³ coupling) in neat water with 0.01 mol% Au loading. Using magnetic separation, this catalyst could be recycled for seven consecutive runs with very small decrease in activity. Characterization of the reused catalyst did not show appreciable structural modification.     

Highly stable magnetically separable copper nanocatalyst as an efficient catalyst for C(sp2)–C(sp) and C(sp2)–C(sp2) cross‐coupling reactions

A copper catalyst has been explored as an efficient and recyclable catalyst to effect Sonogashira and Suzuki cross‐coupling reactions. After modification of 2‐(((piperazin‐1‐ylmethyl)imino)methyl)phenol (PP) on the surface of amorphous silica‐coated iron oxide (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@Cl) magnetic core–shell nanocomposite, copper(II) chloride was employed to synthesize the Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@PP‐Cu catalyst, affording a copper loading of 1.52 mmol g⁻¹. High yield, low reaction times, non‐toxicity and recyclability of the catalyst are the main merits of this protocol. The catalyst was characterized using Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray photoelectron, energy‐dispersive X‐ray and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopies, X‐ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, and vibrating sample magnetometry.     

Synthesis of a highly active amino‐functionalized Fe3O4@SiO2/APTS/Ru magnetic nanocomposite catalyst for hydrogenation reactions

An amino‐functionalized silica‐coated Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/APTS) was synthesized. The Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ microspheres possessed a well‐defined core–shell structure, uniform sizes and high magnetization. An immobilized ruthenium nanoparticle catalyst (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/APTS/Ru) was obtained after coordination and reduction of Ru³⁺ on the Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/APTS nanocomposite. The Ru nanoparticles were not only ultra‐small with nearly monodisperse sizes but also had strong affinity with the surface of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/APTS. The obtained catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic performance for the hydrogenation of a variety of aromatic nitro compounds, even at room temperature. Moreover, Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/APTS/Ru was easily recovered using a magnetic field and directly reused for at least five cycles without significant loss of its activity.     

Fe3O4–cysteamine hydrochloride magnetic nanoparticles: New,efficient and recoverable nanocatalyst for Knoevenagel condensation reaction

Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were obtained using a reduction–precipitation method. These MNPs were modified with cysteamine hydrochloride. This catalyst was characterized using a number of physicochemical measurements. The Fe₃O₄–cysteamine MNPs, as an efficient and heterogeneous catalyst, were successfully used for Knoevenagel condensation under mild conditions. The activity of this nanomagnetic catalyst in the Knoevenagel condensation of aromatic aldehydes and malononitrile is described. Easy preparation of the catalyst, easy work‐up procedure, excellent yields and short reaction times are some of the advantages.     

Fe3O4 – Glutathione stabilized Ag nanoparticles: A new magnetically separable robust and facile catalyst for aqueous phase reduction of nitroarenes

The heterostructured Ag nanoparticles decorated Fe₃O₄ Glutathione (Fe₃O₄‐Glu‐Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by sonicating glutathione (Glu) with magnetite and further surface immobilization of silver NPs on it. The ensuing magnetic nano catalyst is well characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The prepared Fe₃O₄‐Glu‐Ag nanoparticles have proved to be an efficient and recyclable nanocatalyst with low catalyst loading for the reduction of nitroarenes and heteronitroarenes to respective amines in the presence of NaBH₄ using water as a green solvent which could be easily separated at the end of a reaction using an external magnet and can be recycled up to 5 runs without any significant loss in catalytic activity. Gram scale study for the reduction of 4‐NP has also being carried out successfully and it has been observed that this method can serve as an efficient protocol for reduction of nitroarenes on industrial level.     

Green synthesis of Fe3O4@SiO2‐Ag magnetic nanocatalyst using safflower extract and its application as recoverable catalyst for reduction of dye pollutants in water

This paper reports the green and in situ preparation of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐Ag magnetic nanocatalyst synthesized using safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) flower extract without the addition of any stabilizers or surfactants. The catalytic performance of the resulting nanocatalyst was examined for the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP), methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) in an environment‐friendly medium at room temperature. The main factors such as pH, temperature and amount of catalyst influencing the nanocatalyst performance were studied. The apparent rate constants for 4‐NP, MO and MB reduction were calculated, being 0.756 min^?1, 0.064 s^?1 and 0.09 s^?1, respectively. The catalyst was recovered using an external magnet and reused several times with negligible loss of catalytic activity. The as‐synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using powder X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, UV–visible, Fourier transform infrared and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopies, dynamic light scattering and vibrating sample magnetometry.     

Immobilized palladium on surface-modified Fe3O4/SiO2 nanoparticles: as a magnetically separable and stable recyclable high-performance catalyst for Suzuki and Heck cross-coupling reactions

A palladium-based catalyst (Fe₃O₄/SiO₂/HPG–OPPh₂–PNP) supported on chlorodiphenylphosphine-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles was successfully prepared from Fe₃O₄/SiO₂ with sequential attachment of glycerol and chlorodiphenylphosphine, followed by treatment of an ethanolic solution of palladium chloride with hydrazine. The as-prepared catalyst was characterized by ICP-AES, FTIR, XRD, SEM, and TEM. The Fe₃O₄/SiO₂/HPG–OPPh₂–PNP was found as a magnetically separable and highly active catalyst for Suzuki coupling reactions of aryl iodides, bromides, and chlorides as well as Heck reactions of aryl iodides and bromides. Under appropriate conditions, all reactions afforded the desired products in moderate to excellent yields. Moreover, this catalyst can be easily recovered by using a magnetic field and directly reused for at least six cycles without significant loss of its activity.     

Charge Separation and Catalytic Activity of Fe3O4@Ag “Nanospheres”

Nanospheres of Ag‐coated Fe₃O₄ were successfully synthesized and characterized. Photocatalytic properties of Fe₃O₄@Ag composites have been investigated using steady‐state studies and laser pulse excitations. Accumulation of the electrons in the Ag shell was detected from the shift in the surface plasmon band from 430 to 405 nm, which was discharged when an electron acceptor such as O₂, Thionine (TH) or C₆₀ was introduced into the system. Charge equilibration with redox couple such as C₆₀^●–/C₆₀ indicated the ability of these core–shell structures to carry out photocatalytic reduction reactions. As well, outer Ag layer could boost charge separation in magnetic core through dual effects of Schottky junction and localized surface plasmonic resonance (LSPR)‐powered band gap breaking effect under sunlight irradiation; resulted in higher photocatalytic degradation of diphenylamine (DPA). The maximum photocatalytic degradation rate was achieved at optimum amount of Ag‐NP loading to products. Adsorption studies confirmed that degradation of DPA dominantly occurred in solution. Moderately renewability of the nanocatalysts under sunlight was due to oxidation and dissolution of the outer Ag layer.     

Assembly immobilized palladium(0) on carboxymethylcellulose/Fe3O4 hybrid: An efficient tailor‐made magnetically catalyst for the Suzuki–Miyaura couplings

The Pd nanoparticles (Pd NPs) embedded on magnetically retrievable carboxymethylcellulose/Fe₃O₄ (Pd⁰@CMC/Fe₃O₄) organic/inorganic hybrid were prepared via the conventional simple process. The presence of the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups within the framework of the magnetic hybrid enables the facile preparation and stabilization of Pd NPs in this organic/inorganic hybrid. This hybrid catalyst was very effective in the Suzuki – Miyaura reaction of a variety of aryl halides with arylboronic acid to afford excellent product yields. The catalyst showed good stability and could be easily recovered with an external magnetic field and reused for several times without a significant loss in its catalytic activity. Furthermore, the Pd⁰@CMC/Fe₃O₄ hybrid catalyst was fully characterized by UV–Vis, FT–IR, XRD, SEM, EDX, TEM, XPS and TGA techniques. The hot filtration test suggests that a homogeneous mechanism is operative in Suzuki – Miyaura reaction.     

3-Amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole-functionalized Fe3O4 magnetic nanocomposite as a green and efficient catalyst for synthesis of bis(indolyl)methane derivatives

A core–shell Fe₃O₄@silica magnetic nanocomposite functionalized with 3-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole (Fe₃O₄/SiO₂/PTS/AMTA) was prepared using Fe₃O₄ with silica layer, and its surface was modified with 3-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole. The novel synthesized magnetite nanocomposite was characterized using various techniques. The catalytic activity of Fe₃O₄/SiO₂/PTS/AMTA was demonstrated in the synthesis of bis(indolyl)methane derivatives under solvent-free conditions. Some of the bis(indolyl)methane derivatives were synthesized through one-pot, three-component reaction of 1 mol of various benzaldehydes or ketones with 2 mol of indole in the presence of Fe₃O₄/SiO₂/PTS/AMTA in good to excellent isolated yields. In addition, the catalyst could be recovered and used for several reaction runs without loss of catalytic activity. The stability of recycled catalyst was investigated. This method has some advantages including experimental simplicity, good to excellent yields, solvent-free conditions and stability and reusability of the catalyst.     

Silver,iron, and nickel immobilized on hydroxyapatite‐core‐shell γ‐Fe2O3 MNPs catalyzed one‐pot five‐component reactions for the synthesis of tetrahydropyridines by tandem condensation of amines,aldehydes, and methyl acetoacetate

In this study, Ag, Ni²⁺, and Fe²⁺ immobilized on hydroxyapatite‐core‐shell γ‐Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles (γ‐Fe₂O₃@HAp‐Ag, γ‐Fe₂O₃@HAp‐Ni²⁺, and γ‐Fe₂O₃@HAp‐Fe²⁺) as a new and reusable Lewis acid magnetic nanocatalyst was successfully synthesized and reported for an atom economic, extremely facile, and environmentally benign procedure for the synthesis of highly functionalized tetrahydropyridines derivatives 4a‐t is described by one‐pot five‐component reaction of 2 equiv of aldehydes 1 , 2 equiv of amines 2 , and 1 equiv of methyl acetoacetate 3 in EtOH at room temperature in good to high yields and short reaction time. The presented methodology offers several advantages such as easy work‐up procedure, reusability of the magnetic nanocatalyst, operational simplicity, green synthesis avoiding toxic reagents and solvent, mild reaction conditions, and no tedious column chromatographic separation.