Design, synthesis, and catalytic performance of modified graphene oxide based on a cobalt complex as a heterogenous catalyst for the preparation of aminonaphthoquinone derivatives

We are reporting a functionalized graphene oxide catalyst developed by modifying graphene oxide surface using the covalent attachment of an amino-functionalized SiO(2) sphere/cobalt complex. Silica network has special characteristics including mechanical strength, high thermal and chemical stability with good dispersion in solvents. The silica/graphene oxide mixture provides improved properties and extends the scope of application. Graphene oxide was functionalized by spherical silica with the help of hybrid silane-containing nitrogen to coordinate with Co(ii) for increasing the catalytic activity. The catalyst was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and Thermal Gravimetric (TGA) analyses. The catalyst showed high catalytic activity for multi-component reactions in the synthesis of aminonaphthoquinones in ethanol solvent. The catalyst's ability to improve the yield (96–98%), reduce the reaction time (5–8 min), and recycling ability are important benefits for the catalyst.