Ionic Liquid Functionalized Metal-Organic Framework ([DEIm][PF]@MOF-5): Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Application in the Reduction of 4-Nitrophenol.

A novel, unique, highly effective, and recyclable heterogeneous catalyst, diethyl imidazolium hexafluorophosphate ionic liquid supported metal-organic framework ([DEIm][PF]@MOF-5), has been synthesized using a simple impregnation method at ambient temperature. Characterization of the catalyst was done through various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental mapping, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) analyses. The kinetic study has shown the high catalytic performance of [DEIm][PF]@MOF-5 for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (NP) compared to other catalysts.