Effect of pyrolytic temperature over MOFs templated Cu NPs embedded in N-doped carbon matrix on hydrogenation catalytic activities

MOFs templated Cu NPs supported by the N-doped carbon are prepared under different pyrolytic temperature, which has noticeable influence on their hydrogenation catalytic activity for aromatic-nitro compounds. [Display omitted] •The catalytic activities can be efficiently controlled by pyrolysis temperature.•Cu@NPC-500 shows a higher catalytic activity for hydrogenation reaction.•Cu@NPC-500@foamy copper exhibits good catalytic performance after 10 cycles. The relationship between structure and catalytic performance of MOF’s derivatives for hydrogenation of aromatic-nitro compounds have been investigated. A serial of composites that Cu nanoparticles (NPs) supported by the N-doped carbon are prepared through the pyrolysis of a Cu-MOF under different temperature. The structure and morphology are studied by PXRD, SEM, Raman, XPS and elemental mapping. The comparison of catalytic activity reveals that the activities of these catalysts depend on the exposed Cu NPs and the sufficient contact between composites and substrate. The optimized catalyst Cu@NPC-500 shows a higher yield of aniline and exhibits wide scope of aromatic-nitro substrates. In addition, Cu@NPC-500 has been in-situ loaded onto the surface of foamy copper, which not only makes catalyst for easy recovery, but also exhibits good catalytic performance after 10 cycles.