Fe-Ni/MMT nanocomposites as efficient H2 generation catalyst: Tandem approach towards one-pot synthesis of secondary amines

A non-noble metal-based bifunctional Fe-Ni/MMT nanocomposites exhibit excellent H-2 generation capability from the methanolysis of NaBH4 at a rate of 16,200 mL min(-1) g(Fe)(-1)-(Ni) with 10%Fe-Ni loading on MMT support. Moreover, the evolved H2 from this catalytic process is efficiently utilized for the one-pot step-wise synthesis of secondary amines from nitrobenzene and aldehydes using NaBH4 as a source of hydrogen at room temperature. Circumventing the reduction of aldehyde and triggering the formation of imine intermediate through sequential addition of reactants in a time dependent manner has resulted in the excellent yields for aliphatic, aromatic and heterocyclic amines (91-98%). The catalytic activity of Fe-Ni/MMT nanocomposite is ascribed to synergic association of Fe-Ni NPs, Lewis and Bronsted acidity as well as adsorptive nature of MMT. Thus, a simple, facile and greener route is developed for the synthesis of secondary amines with an efficient H-2 generation non-noble metal catalyst and easily accessible H-donor at room temperature. (C) 2020 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.