Mechanical activation assisted synthesis of atomically dispersed cobalt catalysts supported on N, P co-doped cellulose-derived carbon for nitrobenzene hydrogenation

Modulating the coordination structure of active center atoms of atomically dispersed metal catalysts has emerged as a critical strategy to further enhance the catalytic performance for selective hydrogenation. Herein, we report the successful synthesis of atomically dispersed cobalt catalysts supported on N, P co-doped cellulose-derived carbon (Co 1 /NPC) via a mechanical activation assisted synthesis method. The introduction of P and N atoms modifies the electronic structure of Co atoms by forming Co–N x and Co–P x structures, enhancing their ability to dissociate H 2 and adsorb nitroarenes, thereby significantly boosting the hydrogenation activity. Consequently, the Co 1 /NPC catalyst demonstrates outstanding catalytic activity for the selective hydrogenation of nitrobenzene, achieving 99 % conversion and selectivity with a high TOF of 507 h −1 , far outperforming the benchmark Co 1 /NC (TOF of 4 h −1 ) and Co NPs /NPC catalysts (TOF of 10 h −1 ). Moreover, Co 1 /NPC catalysts possess exceptional stability and satisfactory universality. This study provides an efficient and practical catalyst for the production of nitroanilines via the selective hydrogenation of nitroarenes.