Catalytic Transformation of Nitroarenes to Amines over Ba(1−x)SrxTiO3 (0 < x < 1) Perovskites in Water

TL;DR

This paper explores how a specific type of perovskite material can efficiently convert toxic nitroarenes into amines in water.

Contribution

The study introduces a lanthanide-free perovskite catalyst for nitroarene reduction, showing high efficiency and regeneration potential.

Findings

Ba(1−x)SrxTiO3 (x = 0.3) showed the best catalytic performance in converting 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol.

The catalytic transformation follows a pseudo-first-order model and can be regenerated via mild annealing.

Substitution of Ba²⁺ by Sr²⁺ affects dielectric properties and grain size of the perovskite.

Abstract

This work is focused on the application of lanthanide-free perovskite Ba1−xSrxTiO3 (0 < x < 1) in valorization of toxic pollutants as 4-nitrophenol (4-NPh). The series of perovskites were fabricated by facile, one-step solid-state preparation method and characterized via various techniques: elemental analysis (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry, ICP-OES), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and dielectric properties (impedance spectroscopy, IS). The methods confirmed the assumed composition, structure and high purity of the materials. The results showed that substitution of Ba2+ by Sr2+ in the perovskite crystal lattice influenced the dielectric properties of samples and the size of the grains. The absorption and catalytic properties of Ba(1−x)SrxTiO3 (0 < x < 1) series were evaluated in reduction of 4-NPh in water using NaBH4 as reducing agent. No adsorption of 4-NPh was found for all the materials during 180 min of contact (experiment without reducing agent), and the best catalytic performance was found for the Ba(1−x)SrxTiO3 (x = 0.3) sample. The catalytic transformation of 4-NPh to 4-APh follows a pseudo-first-order model, and the catalysts can be easily regenerated via mild annealing (300 °C).

Figures