Facile fabrication of cobalt (Co) nanoparticles anchored magnetic porous carbon for efficient catalytic reduction of nitrophenols

The preparation of efficient, low-cost and easily recycled catalyst for the reduction of nitrophenol (NP) to corresponding aminophenol (AP) remains a challenge. Herein, we present a facile strategy for preparing cobalt nanoparticles anchored magnetic porous carbon (Co-MPC) catalyst, which involves first formation of Co(OH)2-crosslinked peach gum polysaccharide (Co(OH)2-PGP) gel and followed by carbonization treatment. As a natural macromolecule, PGP contains numerous oxygen-containing groups, which can interact Co2+ to form Co(OH)2-PGP gel. The resulted Co-MPC not only shows high catalytic activity for the reduction of diverse NPs to the corresponding APs, but also can be easily recovered by magnetic separation after catalytic reaction. Moreover, it also exhibits superior reusability. Even if it is reused for 5 times, it still maintains high catalytic activity. Considering the easy preparation process and superior catalytic performance of Co-MPC, this work provides a viable strategy for preparation of low-cost and high-performance catalysts from natural biomass. [Display omitted] •Co nanoparticles anchored magnetic porous carbon (Co-MPC) can be readily prepared.•Peach gum polysaccharide plays an important role in the preparation of Co-MPC.•Co-MPC presents superior catalytic activity for reduction of different nitrophenols.•It is easy to separate the Co-MPC by a magnet after catalytic reaction.•Co-MPC also shows fine structure stability associated with good reusability.