Interfacial Engineering of Pd Nanoparticles on Fe3O4–rGO Composite Support for High-Chemoselective Nitroaromatic Hydrogenation

Abstract

Pd-based catalysts play a pivotal role in nitroaromatic hydrogenation for fine chemical synthesis, yet their intrinsic overactivity often undermines target selectivity. In this study, we develop a highly efficient and magnetically recoverable Pd/Fe₃O₄–rGO catalyst for nitroaromatic hydrogenation through dual-support interfacial engineering, realized by precisely anchoring Pd nanoparticles at the heterojunctions of ferrosoferric oxide and reduced graphene oxide (Fe₃O₄–rGO). The dual-support modulation effect not only ensures uniform Pd distribution via strong interfacial interaction but also drives directional charge transfer from Pd to the Fe₃O₄–rGO composite support, synergistically enhancing nitro group adsorption and optimizing H₂ dissociation kinetics. The prepared Pd/Fe₃O₄–rGO catalyst achieves exceptional catalytic performance with 99% conversion and >97% selectivity for the chemoselective hydrogenation of diverse nitroaromatics under mild conditions while maintaining remarkable activity/selectivity over multiple cycles. Notably, the integrated Fe₃O₄ component facilitates efficient magnetic separation (<2 min), demonstrating industrial viability for continuous processes. This work provides a rational dual-support strategy that simultaneously regulates spatial configuration and electronic states of active sites to overcome the activity-selectivity trade-off in hydrogenation catalysis.