Biotemplated construction of CoCu/Bio-CeO2 for efficiently boosting the tandem hydrogenation of nitroaromatics

Tea pollen-template fabricated Bio-CeO₂ served as a support for developing the supported CoCu-based bimetallic catalysts (CoCu/Bio-CeO₂). The catalytic performance of the as-prepared CoCu/Bio-CeO₂ catalysts was evaluated in the tandem hydrogenation of nitroaromatic compounds. The templated Bio-CeO₂ support not only successfully replicates the natural porous structure of tea pollen, but also induces the catalyst reconstruction and compositional differentiation. In contrast to non-templated or sole metallic analogues, Bio-CeO 2 -supported CoCu-based nanocatalysts endow more promising catalytic performance. The one selected Co₁Cu₄/Bio-CeO₂ exhibited excellent reactivity, achieving a hydrogen production rate (HGR) of 422.2 mL·min⁻¹·gcat⁻¹ and a nearly 99% yield of m-chloraniline (m-CAN) in the in-situ hydrogenation of m-chloronitrobenzene (m-CNB) under mild conditions. High activity was remained accompanying with over 87% yield of m-CAN after six runs. Co₁Cu₄/Bio-CeO₂ displayed superior activity and good substrate adaptability in the tandem hydrogenation of aromatic nitro compounds bearing various functional groups. The high stability and desired catalytic performance of Co₁Cu₄/Bio-CeO₂ shall be attributed to intermetallic synergistic effect as well as strong interaction between active metal and the Bio-CeO₂ support.