Simultaneous catalytic reduction of p-nitrophenol and hydrogen production on MIL-101(Fe)-based composites

MIL-101(Fe)-based composite materials and their application for the generation of H-2 by the catalytic reduction of nitro organics are reported in this study. NaBH4 and water contribute hydrogen for the catalytic reduction of nitro organics, but the possibility of nitro organics as a potential hydrogen source is often overlooked due to the simplicity of the reaction. However, experiments have revealed that the reaction process is accompanied by the production of H-2, which is affected by the concentration of nitro organics. Moreover, the reaction is more conducive to the generation of H-2 compared to NaBH4 hydrolysis under the same conditions. Unlike specially catalyzing the expensive NaBH4 hydrolysis, hydrogen is a by-product of the reduction of pollutants by inexpensive catalysts (NaBH4 acted as an electron donor for the catalyst). Accordingly, the reaction mechanism of p-nitrophenol hydride reduction was optimized. This work provides a new perspective on the application of this reaction.