Ag–Pd Alloy Immobilized on Semi-heterogeneous Support as a Novel Highly Efficient Artificial Nitroreductase: Experimental Design Optimization and Kinetic Study

The bimetallic nanocatalysts with improved catalytic activity and selectivity has emerged as an important class of nanocatalysts. Herein, a highly efficient Ag–Pd alloy-based semi heterogeneous magnetic nanocatalyst has been developed. The catalyst exhibits enzyme-like catalytic efficiency for the reduction of nitro functional group of 4-nitro phenol as water contaminant by NaBH4 even at ambient temperature. Exceptionally high turnover frequency, very short reaction time, simple recovery and reusability of catalyst and complete conversion of p-nitrophenol are some remarkable features of this semi heterogeneous nanocatalyst. The enzyme-like efficiency of developed nanocatalyst could be related to its architectural configuration, the catalytic performance of Ag–Pd bimetallic alloy nanoparticles and organophilic microenvironment which raised from semi heterogeneous nature of support. Moreover, the design of experiments methodology was employed to optimize the reaction conditions and the kinetic study was carried out to explore enzyme-like activity of designed catalyst. A novel Ag–Pd alloy-based semi heterogeneous magnetic nanocatalyst represented superior catalytic activity and selectivity for the reduction of p-nitrophenol in water even at room temperature.