A magnetically recoverable scavenger for palladium based on thiol-modified magnetite nanoparticles

Modification of magnetite nanoparticles surfaces with thiol groups leads to a magnetically recoverable scavenger for metals. The magnetic solid removed Pd2+ ions from aqueous and non-aqueous solutions, and it was easily recovered with a magnet with no need of additional separation procedures. Scavenging efficiency of >99% was demonstrated. The magnetically recovered solid containing palladium-catalyzed the conversion of cyclohexene to cyclohexane for at least five successive reactions with TON ∼800 each. Magnetic separation capabilities greatly facilitate the recovery of the metal scavenger and catalyst.

We here demonstrate the use of magnetic nanoparticles with appropriated chemical surface modification for recovering valuables, such as metals, by magnetic separation techniques. We prepared a magnetically recoverable scavenger for palladium that could be easily separated from solution as an alternative for solvent-consuming extraction and filtration procedures. Also, the recovered palladium-loaded magnetic solid showed catalytic activity in hydrogenation of olefins.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide