Abstract

Platinum nanoparticles (Pt-NPs) are frequently employed in catalysis due to their extensive range of potential applications. Their synthesis is often easier and more environmentally friendly, attracting significant attention from the scientific community worldwide. This research focused on developing a novel nanocatalyst designed to enhance the reduction and recycling of nitroarenes. The Pt-NPs were prepared by gradually increasing the PEGylated PAMAM dendrimer of the third generation (PPG3) as a capping agent, along with NaBH4 as a reducing agent. The obtained Pt-NPs were characterized using various analytical techniques, including FT-IR, HR-TEM, and SEM. The PPG3 dendrimer-stabilized Pt-NPs were evaluated as novel catalysts for reducing nitroaromatics of pharmaceutical interest, such as NOPME, NOPMEF, NOBE, and CNOBE in aqueous media. Among the three catalysts tested, the one with a dendrimer: Pt ratio of 1.33 (Pt(1.33)-PPG3) exhibited the best catalytic performance in the reduction of selected nitroaromatics and maintained its effectiveness after three catalytic cycles. These findings indicate that the PPG3 dendrimer effectively prohibits the formation of agglomeration and flocculation of Pt-NPs, enhancing their stability in aqueous media, thereby facilitating their application in eco-friendly catalytic reactions. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.