Ni nanoparticle supported reduced graphene oxide as a highly active and durable heterogeneous material for coupling reactions

Abstract

We report the loading of highly air stable Ni(0) nanoparticles (average particle size = 11 nm) on the surface of a reduced graphene oxide (RGO) material. The material was characterized using different techniques, including Raman spectroscopy, XRD, TEM, SEM, and HRTEM analysis. The Ni(0)@RGO catalyst showed superb efficiency towards Kumada-Corriu C-C cross-coupling reactions, with 92% yield of 4-methoxybiphenyl at 60 °C. The recycled material can be reused up to the 5^th cycle after regeneration by calcination, without loss of activity.

Fig. 1. X-ray powder diffraction spectra of (a) GO and (b) Ni(0)RGO samples.

Fig. 2. TEM image of (a) Ni(0)RGO (scale bar = 100 nm), (b) high magnification image of Ni(0)RGO (scale bar = 20 nm), and (c) electron diffraction pattern image of Ni(0)RGO.

Fig. 3. Effect of reaction temperature on the C–C Kumada–Corriu cross-coupling reaction when using the Ni(0)RGO catalyst.

Fig. 4. Heterogeneity test for Ni(0)RGO catalyst over C–C Kumada–Corriu cross-coupling reaction.