In situ reduction of graphene oxide by different plant extracts as a green catalyst for selective hydrogenation of nitroarenes

The reduction of graphene oxide (GO) was examined by using the extracts of different plants; cloves, white mulberry, black cumin seed, blackthorn, dark grape, and rosehip. The reduction efficiency of extracts was confirmed by XRD and spectroscopic analysis. The layered structure of reduced graphene and graphene nanocomposite decorated with palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) was observed by electron microscopy techniques. This nanocomposite considered to be an active-selective catalyst for hydrogenation of nitroarenes in organic synthesis. This efficient catalyst can provide to develop clean, environmentally friendly, and energy-efficient production routes in industrial organic chemistry. It was concluded that the PdNPs/RGO catalyst showed high stability based on its reusing performance; seven times without loss of catalytic activity. (C) 2019 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.