A novel MnFe2O4/graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanocomposites as efficient magnetically retrievable catalyst in crossed aldol condensation

Novel MnFe2O4/g-C3N4 composites were successfully synthesized via a facile hydrothermal route in combination with ultrasonication and calcination techniques. XRD patterns of the as-synthesized composite furnished evidence for presence of both MnFe2O4 and g-C3N4 components. SEM and TEM micrographs also confirmed the successful formation of the MnFe2O4/g-C3N4 composite. The catalytic efficiency of the synthesized composite was investigated in crossed aldol condensation of acetone with benzaldehyde. The results demonstrated that the condensation reaction produced dibenzylideneacetone (DBA) in excellent yields under reasonably mild conditions. Owing to the presence of g-C3N4 nanosheets, MnFe2O4/gC(3)N(4) composite exhibited a larger specific surface area and also an inherent basic characteristic. The other key feature of the composite is its easy magnetic recovery. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.