Nitrogen-rich copolymeric microsheets supporting copper nanoparticles for catalyzing arylation of N-heterocycles

Nitrogen-rich copolymeric microsheets were synthesized through incomplete condensation of melamine and cyanuric chloride. The materials can be well-dispersed in polar solvent and perform excellently as supports or stabilizing agents for metal nanoparticles. The presence of nitrogen in the lattice improves their interaction with the copper nanoparticle precursor (Cu(II) ions). Monodispersed copper nanoparticles over these supports were obtained after reducing the absorbed precursors. The materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The catalytic C–N coupling reaction was selected as the model reaction to evaluate the catalytic performance of the supported nanoparticles. The catalysts show above 90% yield of coupling products and retain activity after a five-run recycling test. Surface chemistry and morphology transforming during the catalytic process was further investigated. Nitrogen-rich copolymeric microsheets were proven to be excellent supports and stabilizing agents for metal nanoparticles.

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► Nitrogen-rich copolymeric microsheets were synthesized through controlled condensation of nitrogen-rich precursors.
► Monodispersed filigree copper nanoparticles over such nitrogen-rich substrate were obtained.
► The supported nanoparticles show high activity for catalyzing arylation for N-heterocycles.
► The catalyst retains considerable activity after a five-run recycling test.