Graphene oxide/poly(imidazole/imidazolium) nanocomposite: An effective support for immobilization of large amounts of Pd nanoparticles

•A multi-layered catalyst based on graphene oxide was prepared.•The catalyst has high loading capacity for immobilization of Pd.•Catalyst has high efficiency in reduction of nitroarenes and Heck reaction.•The catalyst is used in low weight percent.•The ionic surface of catalyst improved catalytic activity.

A multi-layered catalyst based on poly(imidazole/imidazolium) and graphene oxide, with high loading capacity for immobilization of palladium nanoparticles was prepared. The catalyst was proven to be highly efficient for reduction of nitroarenes and also for Heck reaction with the use of only 0.1 mol% of the catalyst. The reduction of nitroarenes and Heck reaction were performed in water medium and excellent yields of products were achieved. The synthesized catalyst was readily recovered and reused for up to 10 subsequent runs without significant loss of activity.

Graphical abstractA multi-layered catalyst based on poly(imidazole/imidazolium) and graphene oxide, with high loading capacity for immobilization of palladium nanoparticles was prepared. The catalyst was proven to be highly efficient for reduction of nitroarenes and also for Heck reaction with the use of only 0.1 mol% of the catalyst. Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide