Recent progresses in graphene-based (photo)catalysts for reduction of nitro compounds

The rapid progresses in the reduction of nitro compounds represent a potent and extensively utilized transformation, which allows the introduction of amino compounds. From the standpoint of organic chemistry, amines have many applications in the synthesis of drugs, biologically active molecules, pharmaceutical products, dyes, polymers, etc. For this aim and owing to the environmental concerns about toxic nitro contaminants such as 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), up to know, much research has been carried out on the reduction/degradation of nitroarenes for the fabrication of amines using different heterogeneous (nano)catalysts. This review provides the current developments in the area of production, classification and applications of graphene-based catalysts in the reduction of nitro compounds to amines. The application of graphene derivatives in the synthesis of various catalysts is advantageous compared to other catalysts and thus increases the rate of reduction of nitro compounds. The use of these catalysts offers several benefits such as straightforward work-up, high catalytic prowess and recovery.