Abstract
A Rh0@γ-Fe2O3 nanocomposite was easily prepd. by straightforward deposit of metal nanoparticles on the nonfunctionalized magnetic support through a wet impregnation method. This nanomaterial proved to be highly active and magnetically retrievable in room-temp. hydrogenation of various arenes under atm. hydrogen pressure in neat water. The catalytic applications were extended to the selective redn. of nitroarenes into aniline, a relevant synthon for industrial applications, and to the dechlorination of chloroarenes, which could be of great interest for wastewater treatment. Finally, these Rh0@γ-Fe2O3 nanocomposites were compared to their Pd analogs, thus affording complementary catalytic activities.