Multifunctional Pd@MOF core–shell nanocomposite as highly active catalyst for p-nitrophenol reduction

•Pd nanoparticles supported on the metal-organic framework (Pd@ZIF-8) was prepared.•Pd NPs were encapsulated in ZIF-8 by a preferred strategy.•Pd@ZIF-8 exhibits excellent catalytic activity toward the reduction of p-nitrophenol.

Multifunctional highly dispersed Pd nanoparticles supported on the metal-organic framework core–shell nanocomposite (Pd@ZIF-8), was prepared by a preferred strategy. The particles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The Pd@ZIF-8 exhibits excellent catalytic activity toward the catalytic reduction of p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol in the presence of NaBH4 at room temperature.

Graphical abstractPd nanoparticles supported on the metal-organic framework (Pd@ZIF-8) was prepared by a preferred strategy and it exhibits excellent catalytic activity toward the reduction of p-nitrophenol.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide