Recent Developments in the Use of Spinel Ferrite Nanoparticles as Catalysts in Organic Reactions

Abstract

The unique physicochemical properties, low cost, low toxicity, and size- and shape-dependent magnetic properties of the ferrite-based nanoparticles make them an indispensable choice of material for various applications, including catalysis. The objective of this review is to summarize the results of the most widely used ferrite nanoparticles such as NiFe2O4, CuFe2O4, CoFe2O4, ZnFe2O4, and MnFe2O4 as catalysts in organic reactions such as C–X (X = N, O, and S) coupling, oxidation, and N-heterocycles formation reactions. This review includes a well-summarized compilation of the most widely used nanostructured ferrites such as NiFe2O4, CuFe2O4, CoFe2O4, ZnFe2O4, and MnFe2O4 as heterogeneous catalysts in selected organic reactions such as C–X (X = N, O, and S) coupling, oxidation, and N-heterocycles formation reactions. The nanostructured magnetic ferrite catalysts are reliable and extremely effective and facilitate the quick separation of catalysts, making the process sustainable. The presentation of the review has been proposed anticipating new perspectives and insight in the field of catalysis and investigate further development of novel ferrite materials on an industrial scale for practical applications.