In recent years, nanomaterials have grown in significance across a range of fields, such as electronics, biological sensors, catalysis, and energy. Rapid advancements have been made in the use of materials as heterogeneous catalysts, and characteristics like recyclability and low cost are essential for the circular economy and sustainable development. Thus, due to their durability and high surface area, nanocatalysts have become attractive substitutes for traditional materials.
Hydrogen transfer reactions play a crucial role in various chemical processes, including catalysis, organic synthesis, and energy conversion. Unlike conventional direct hydrogenation, catalytic transfer hydrogenation offers numerous advantages such as cost-effectiveness in hydrogen generation, hydrogenation selectivity, and catalyst recyclability.

Herein, we report the synthesis of various mono- and bimetallic Co_x-Ag_y NPs (Co, Ag, Co-Ag, and Co-Ag core shells) anchored in carboxymethyl cellulose and their deposition on mesoporous natural phosphate (m-NP). First, the colloidal NPs were prepared and then followed-up using spectroscopic methods such as UV—vis, IR, and XRD. Afterwards, the resulting colloids were supported on m-NP using a wetness impregnation method to obtain Co_x-Ag_y@NP nanocatalysts². The developed nanocatalysts were characterized using advanced analytical methods, i.e., XRD, XPS, FESEM-EDX, and TEM. Their ability to generate catalysis and transfer hydrogen were studied to assess the level of metal synergy in the prepared nanocatalysts ³.