Ternary synergistic interaction of Pd/CeO2-C3N4 catalyst promoting transfer hydrogenation of nitro compounds to amines

Catalytic transfer hydrogenation of nitro compounds to amines under mild conditions offers an alternative strategy to traditional hydrogenation processes involving pressurized molecular hydrogen, which necessitate the rational design and integration of multifunctional catalyst. Herein, a ternary composite catalyst (Pd/CeO 2 -C 3 N 4 ) was designed and synthesized for the transfer hydrogenation of nitro compounds to corresponding amines compounds using formic acid as hydrogen donor. The Pd/CeO 2 -C 3 N 4 catalyst shows remarkably high performance for the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of nitrobenzene (NB) to aniline (BA), achieving > 98 % conversion and exceedingly high selectivity (>99 %). The catalyst exhibits a high turnover frequency (TOF) of up to 2868 h - , significantly surpassing both the reference catalyst (Pd/C 3 N 4 and Pd/CeO 2 ) and the conventional Pd/C catalyst. The multi-functional Pd/CeO 2 -C 3 N 4 catalyst features enhanced electron transfer properties,well-exposed Pd active sites, and abundant acid-base sites, enabling effective enhancement of formic acid dehydrogenation and nitro group activation. Moreover, Pd/CeO 2 -C 3 N 4 demonstrates excellent recyclability and a broad substrate scope for the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of various nitro compounds. The rational design of Pd/CeO 2 -C 3 N 4 will broaden the application range of Pd-based catalysts and provide a sustainable and effective approach for the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of other industrially relevant organic compounds.