Transition metal nanoparticles supported on mesoporous polyaniline catalyzed reduction of nitroaromatics

• Transition metal nanoparticles supported on Meso-PANI catalysts were prepared.
• Catalysts were used in the reduction of nitroaromatics.
• Cu(10%)-Meso-PANI was found to be the best catalyst.
• High surface area, favorable, and high dispersion of Cu are keys for high activity.
• Catalyst exhibited negligible loss in the activity even after 5 recycle.

Transition metal nanoparticles supported on mesoporous polyaniline (Meso-PANI) were synthesized by the self assembly of dual surfactants followed by the in situ reduction of metal precursors in aqueous solution. Catalysts were investigated in the reduction of nitroaromatics in the presence of NaBH4 as a reducing agent. Among the catalysts investigated, Cu(10%)-Meso-PANI exhibited the highest activity. Cu supported on Meso-PANI exhibited significantly high activity compared to Cu supported on conventional PANI. Recycling experiments suggest that catalysts can be reused without significant loss in catalytic activity.

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