Reduced NiGraf: An effective hydrogenation catalyst of large applicative potential

The reduced form of NiGraf, a newly developed metal organic alloy comprised of graphene oxide entrapped within Ni-based nanoparticles subsequently reduced with thiophene (RGO@Ni), shows remarkably stable selective activity in the complete reduction of nitrobenzene to aniline carried out in liquid-phase under ultramild conditions (35 °C, 10 % excess of hydrazine as reductant). These results are practically relevant because molecularly doped metals hold great applicative potential as new-generation solid catalysts, especially when the metal used to entrap organic species consists of low-cost and earth-abundant nickel.