Magnetic nickel nanoparticle catalyst on β-cyclodextrin-modified Fe₃O₄ for nitroarene hydrogenation

This study developed a novel and highly active heterogeneous catalyst of nickel nanoparticles supported on β-cyclodextrin-grafted magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (Ni@β-CD@Fe₃O₄). β-CD, a biodegradable, biocompatible, green, and non-toxic cyclic oligosaccharide, was modified with Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles to create β-CD@Fe₃O₄. The nickel was then immobilized onto this support. The catalyst was characterized using FT-IR, XRD, TEM, AAS, FE-SEM, TGA, EDX, DRS-UV-Vis spectra, and VSM techniques. The catalytic activity of Ni@β-CD@Fe₃O₄ was evaluated for the reduction of nitroarene compounds in water at 25 ℃. This nanocatalyst indicated great activity and selectivity in reducing various nitroarenes, including nitrobenzene, nitroaniline, nitrotoluene, and nitrophenol derivatives. Additionally, the catalyst showed significant reusability and could be easily separated using an external magnet, highlighting its potential for green chemistry and sustainable industrial applications.