Palladium nanoparticles supported on Fe3O4@nitrogen doped carbon cubes as a highly efficient catalyst for the organic reactions

The preparation of palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) supported on Fe3O4@nitrogen doped carbon (N-C) core-shell (C-S) and yolk–shell (Y-S) nanostructures is reported. The Fe3O4@N-C@Pd C-S nanostructures were synthesized by two different methods. Additionally, the Y-S nanostructures were synthesized by using a HCl solution as an effective etching reagent to the partially etch the Fe3O4 [1]. Four types of Pd-based catalysts were tested in the selective reduction of p-nitrophenol (p-NP) to p-aminophenol (p-AP). Different catalytic activities were obtained through these catalysts. Furthermore, the reduction of nitroarenes and the oxidation of benzylic alcohols were also studies.