Hetero–nanostructured Ni/α-Mn2O3 as Highly Active Catalyst for Aqueous Phase Reduction Reactions

摘要

In this work, a simple strategy for the synthesis of hetero-nano- structured Ni/α-Mn2O3 via surfactant-aided co-reduction meth- od is reported. The as synthesized Ni/α-Mn2O3 is applied as cat- alytic material for the aqueous phase reduction of 4- nitrophenol (4-NP) and organic dye pollutants, namely Rhod- amine B (RhB), Methylene blue (MB), Rose Bengal (RB), Congo red (CR), and Methyl orange (MO) in the presence of a mild re- ducing agent, NaBH4. This synthetic route provides homoge- neous dispersion of Ni nanoparticles over α-Mn2O3 surface. The nanoparticles and support are characterized using XRD, SEM/ EDX, TEM, AAS and BET surface area analyses. The Ni particles are spherical, crystalline and size ranges < 5 nm. Further, het- ero-nanostructured Ni/α-Mn2O3 is established as a highly effi- cient recyclable catalyst for the reduction of 4-NP to 4-amino- phenol (4-AP). The HPLC and FTIR analysis shows that 4-AP is the sole product of the reduction of 4-NP. The Ni/α-Mn2O3 also exhibits high activity towards reduction of cationic and anionic dye pollutants. Thus, the as synthesized hetero-nanostructured Ni/α-Mn2O3 can be considered as the future contender for the wastewater treatment.