Highly efficient and recyclable Fe3C/Au@NG catalyst for 4-nitrophenol reduction

In this study, we synthesized uniform Au nanoparticles (NPs) within the pore channels of Fe3C@NG via a simple chemical method. The resulting Fe3C/Au@NG composite catalyst was characterized, and its catalytic performance in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) in aqueous solution under mild conditions was studied. Field emission transmission electron micrograph results revealed uniformly distributed Au NPs inside the pore channels of Fe3C/Au@NG, and this composite catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic performance and good reusability for 4-NP reduction and is easy to synthesize. Therefore, magnetically recoverable Fe3C/Au@NG appears to be a promising catalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol. [Display omitted] •Fe3C@NG has a mesoporous structure is beneficial to the mass transfer of reactants and products.•Fe3C/Au@NG exhibited excellent catalytic activity for 4-nitrophenol reduction.•Fe3C/Au@NG with good stability can be facilely magnetic separated.