A range of multifunctional magnetic metal–organic framework nanomaterials consisting
of various mass ratios of the metal–organic framework MIL-53(Fe) and magnetic SiO2@NiFe2O4 nanoparticles were designed, prepared, characterized, and evaluated as heterogeneous
catalysts for the Knoevenagel condensation. The as-fabricated nanomaterials, especially
the nanocatalyst MIL-53(Fe)@SiO2@NiFe2O4(1.0), showed good catalytic performance in the Knoevenagel condensation at room temperature
as a result of synergistic interaction between the Lewis acid iron sites of MIL-53(Fe)
and the active sites of the magnetic SiO2@NiFe2O4 nanoparticles. In addition, the heterogeneous catalyst was readily recovered and
a recycling test showed that it could be reused for five times without significant
loss of its catalytic activity, making it economical and environmentally friendly.
Key words
metal-organic frameworks - magnetic nanocatalyst - Knoevenagel condensation - cooperative
catalysis - heterogeneous catalysis - iron catalysis