Solvent-free selective hydrogenation of nitroaromatics to azoxy compounds over Co single atoms decorated on Nb2O5 nanomeshes

Zhijun Li (), Xiaowen Lu, Cong Guo, Siqi Ji, Hongxue Liu, Chunmin Guo, Xue Lu, Chao Wang, Wensheng Yan, Bingyu Liu, Wei Wu, J. Hugh Horton, Shixuan Xin and Yu Wang ()
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Zhijun Li: Northeast Petroleum University
Xiaowen Lu: Northeast Petroleum University
Cong Guo: Nanjing Normal University
Siqi Ji: Northeast Petroleum University
Hongxue Liu: Northeast Petroleum University
Chunmin Guo: Northeast Petroleum University
Xue Lu: Northeast Petroleum University
Chao Wang: University of Science and Technology of China
Wensheng Yan: University of Science and Technology of China
Bingyu Liu: Heilongjiang University
Wei Wu: Heilongjiang University
J. Hugh Horton: Northeast Petroleum University
Shixuan Xin: Northeast Petroleum University
Yu Wang: Nanjing Normal University

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract The solvent-free selective hydrogenation of nitroaromatics to azoxy compounds is highly important, yet challenging. Herein, we report an efficient strategy to construct individually dispersed Co atoms decorated on niobium pentaoxide nanomeshes with unique geometric and electronic properties. The use of this supported Co single atom catalysts in the selective hydrogenation of nitrobenzene to azoxybenzene results in high catalytic activity and selectivity, with 99% selectivity and 99% conversion within 0.5 h. Remarkably, it delivers an exceptionally high turnover frequency of 40377 h–1, which is amongst similar state-of-the-art catalysts. In addition, it demonstrates remarkable recyclability, reaction scalability, and wide substrate scope. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the catalytic activity and selectivity are significantly promoted by the unique electronic properties and strong electronic metal-support interaction in Co1/Nb2O5. The absence of precious metals, toxic solvents, and reagents makes this catalyst more appealing for synthesizing azoxy compounds from nitroaromatics. Our findings suggest the great potential of this strategy to access single atom catalysts with boosted activity and selectivity, thus offering blueprints for the design of nanomaterials for organocatalysis.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47402-5

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