Jamia researchers patent method to make chemical using nanocatalyst

Researchers from Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) were granted a patent for a pioneering nanocatalytic green chemistry innovation that promises cleaner and more sustainable chemical manufacturing.

The patented technology, developed by Prof Tokeer Ahmad and Dr Farha Naaz from the university’s Department of Chemistry, introduces a ceria nanocatalyst based method for synthesising p-nitrobenzoic acid, a high value chemical widely used in pharmaceuticals, dyes, pigments and industrial formulations. This marks the first successful use of ceria nanocatalysts for this transformation.

According to the researchers, the new catalytic method delivers 100 per cent conversion and 99.29 per cent selectivity, dramatically outperforming conventional oxidation techniques. The process is cost-effective, scalable and environmentally benign, reinforcing international efforts to shift towards sustainable chemical production.

The p-nitrobenzoic acid produced through this patented process serves as a precursor for several key compounds, including phenacetin, aminobenzoic and aminosalicylic acids, folic acid intermediates and various industrial chemicals.

The innovation also highlights the JMI’s rising prominence in advanced materials research and green synthesis technologies.