Magnetically recoverable Ir/IrO2@Fe3O4 core/SiO2 shell catalyst for the reduction of organic pollutants in water

Ir/IrO2 nanoparticles have been immobilized on Fe3O4 core/SiO2 shell via surface modified -NH2 functional groups for the reduction of organic pollutants in water. Ir/IrO2@Fe3O4 core/ SiO2 shell catalyst showed excellent catalytic activity in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol, 4-nitroaniline and 2-nitroaniline with the rate constants of 1.32 min(-1), 1.34 min(-1) and 0.92 min(-1) respectively. The reductions were carried out in presence of NaBH4 reducing agent at room temperature. The presence of Ir/IrO2 interfaces in the catalyst is believed to be responsible for its high catalytic activity. Moreover, the catalyst shows high stability and efficient recyclability.