Synthesis of MIL-101(Fe)/SiO2 composites with improved catalytic activity for reduction of nitroaromatic compounds

Abstract Carboxylate systems with inert oxide, namely, MIL-101(Fe)/SiO2, have been prepared by hydrothermal reactions and characterized. MIL-101(Fe)/SiO2 exhibits superior catalytic activities for p-nitrophenol reduction with a high conversion of 93.8% in 4 ​min. It is obvious that the catalytic activity for reduction of nitroaromatic compounds is enhanced, however, the proportion of active components on a catalyst is reduced. One hypothesis is that the interfacial effect between SiO2 and MIL-101(Fe) complexes helps to increase the catalytic activity. The increase of the interface component greatly improved the free energy of the interface of the solid, and the structure-related properties such as the ion valence state and the electron motion transfer of the interface have undergone considerable changes. In addition, the stability of the catalyst under the conditions of different acid-base was also investigated. It is supposed to broaden the application of the interface effect of the complex with SiO2.