A Single-Source Precursor Route Toward Small-Sized Nickel Particles Embedded Into Sio(2)Sheet As Magnetic Separable Catalyst

A single-source precursor route is presented to prepare small-sized Ni particles (similar to 5 nm) uniformly embedded into SiO(2)sheet (Ni/SiO2). The synthetic process involved the coordination of APTES (3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane) with Ni(2+)to form Ni-Si precursor in high yield, followed by pyrolysis under NH(3)atmosphere. During the heating, the Si component in the Ni-Si precursor was transformed into SiO2, which could restrict thein-situgenerated Ni from aggregation, resulting in the formation of the small-sized Ni particles. Small size is conducive to promoting the catalytic performance, and meanwhile SiO(2)protection plays a vital role in improving stability. During aromatic nitro reduction, Ni/SiO(2)shows excellent catalytic performance, which can be separated conveniently by an external magnet after use. The route is indicative of designing other catalysts protected by SiO(2)due to the versatile coordination ability of APTES with other metal ions (Fe, Co, Cu, etc).