Catalytic reduction of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine by cuttlebone supported Pd NPs prepared using Conium maculatum leaf extract

A facile and green process to synthesise cuttlebone supported palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs/cuttlebone) is reported using Conium maculatum leaf extract and in the absence of chemical solvents and hazardous materials. The antioxidant content of the C. maculatum leaf extract played a significant role in converting Pd2+ ions to Pd NPs. Various techniques were used for the characterisation of the Pd NPs/cuttlebone such as field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. This Pd NPs/cuttlebone showed excellent catalytic activity in the reduction of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine to 2,4-diaminophenylhydrazine by sodium borohydride as the source of hydrogen at ambient condition. The catalyst could be separated and recycled up to five cycles with no loss of its activity.