A highly effective Ag–RANEY® nickel hybrid catalyst for reduction of nitrofurazone and aromatic nitro compounds in aqueous solution

Abstract

RANEY® nickel reduced Ag⁺ ions to form ultrafine spherical silver nanoparticles over itself, and the obtained hybrid material was used as catalyst for efficient and selective reduction of aromatic nitro compounds, and nitrofurazone as a non-aromatic example, in aqueous solution by using NaBH₄ as reducing agent. Other silver nanostructures with different morphologies such as silver nano-flowers were also prepared and their efficiency in the reduction process was evaluated. Ag–RANEY® nickel catalyst however, had superior advantages including mild reaction conditions, higher conversion yield, and reduction in aqueous solution at near ambient temperature. The catalyst was also recoverable and showed 5% decrease in efficiency after six successive runs.