Pyrolysis of metal-organic framework (CuBTC) decorated filter paper as a low-cost and highly active catalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol

The fabrication of noble metal free catalysts with excellent performance and high stability by a simple, efficient, general and low-cost approach remains an urgent task for solving the problem of resource shortage. Herein, Cu-based metal organic frameworks (MOFs) immobilized on commercial filter papers were used as pyrolysis precursors to synthesize Cu_xO@C at various calcination temperatures. Notably, the resultant Cu_xO@C-400 exhibits an excellent catalytic performance toward the reaction of reducing 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP). By virtue of the large specific surface area, well-developed porosity, good stability and high dispersity of Cu_xO nanoparticles, the obtained Cu_xO@C-400 could complete the reduction reaction within 11 min with a large apparent rate constant κ_app value (4.8 × 10^-3 s^-1). Our strategy therefore opens a new avenue for the preparation of low-cost and high-performance noble metal free catalysts.