Efficient Transfer Hydrogenation of 4-Nitrophenol using Ammonia Borane over Metal-Organic Framework Derived Bimetallic Nanoparticles

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline porous materials composed of metal ions and organic linkers connected through covalent bonds. To synthesize bimetallic nanoparticles ammonia borane was used as a reducing agent was used on metal ions contained in MOF-74(Cu, Ni). Monometallic Cu and Ni nanoparticles were also synthesized from their corresponding MOF-74 materials. The nanoparticles generated through this methodology were effectively stabilized by the linker of MOF. These nanoparticles were then employed for the transfer hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol. Among the 5 different catalysts tested, CuxNi1-x exhibited exceptional catalytic activity towards 4-nitrophenol reduction within 2 min, indicating a synergistic effect between copper and nickel in the bimetallic catalyst. Additionally, these catalysts demonstrated good stability and recyclability up to 5 cycles.