In situ preparation of PD(0) nanoclusters supported on mof-5 and investigation of their catalytic activity in the reduction of nitroaniline derivatives to aminoanilines

In this thesis, the reduction of nitroaniline derivatives—compounds posing serious threats to both environmental and human health—into aminoanilines was investigated using palladium (Pd(0)) nanoclusters supported on MOF-5. Nitroanilines are widely used in industries such as dyes, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and agrochemicals. Due to their high solubility, mutagenic and carcinogenic properties, and resistance to natural degradation, these compounds accumulate in aquatic environments, causing persistent and cumulative ecological damage. In this study, MOF-5 with the structure Zn₄O(BDC)₃ was synthesized, and Pd (0) nanoclusters were formed in situ on its surface through a reaction-phase reduction process to obtain an environmentally friendly catalyst. This catalyst was employed in the aqueous-phase reduction of model compounds, including 2-nitroaniline and 4-nitroaniline, and its catalytic performance was systematically evaluated. The nanocatalyst was characterized using advanced techniques such as XRD, FT-IR, UV-Vis, ICP-OES, SEM, TEM, and XPS. The results revealed that Pd(0) nanoclusters supported on MOF-5 exhibit high catalytic activity, selectivity, and reusability. This study offers a valuable contribution to the field of sustainable chemistry by demonstrating an effective and green method for the detoxification of hazardous aromatic compounds.