An urchin-like Ni/Graphene nanocomposite was for selective reduction of nitroarenes into azoxybenzene.
A 100% conversion and selectivity to the target product were observed with a turnover number of 36.2.
The catalyst exhibits high stability and recyclability (93% conversion, 100% selectivity after the 4th reuse).
Ni/Graphene nanocomposite is magnetically separable for catalyst recovery.