N, P co-doped coffee biochar-supported Ni-Nx for chemoselective reduction or reductive amination of nitroarenes using formic acid

In this study, we report an efficient, stable, and renewable N, P co-doped coffee biochar-based catalyst loaded with highly dispersed Ni-N_x species (Ni/NPCB-600), and it was successfully applied to the aqueous-phase chemoselective reduction or reductive amination of diverse nitroarenes (Yield up to >91%). Experimental and characterization studies revealed that N, P co-doping have a synergistic effect on improving the catalytic performance of Ni/NPCB-600. The textural properties of Ni/NPCB-600 are enhanced after doping of P, which can facilitate mass transfer and expose more accessible active sites in the reaction. The doping of N could induce the formation of Ni-N_x sites and enhance the basicity of the Ni/NPCB-600 catalyst, which can promote the adsorption and activation of formic acid and nitroarenes, respectively. This is the first example of N, P co-doped coffee biochar-based catalyst for nitroarenes reduction or reductive amination, and reveals its potential industrial application prospects.