
Graphical Abstract Abstract Due to the high toxicity and low degradability of phenolic compounds, including hydroquinone (HQ), in environmental samples, there is a strong need for the development of efficient catalytic systems for the oxidation of hydroquinone to benzoquinone (BQ). Catalytic oxidation using nanoscale metal-based catalysts has been recognized as an effective approach for the removal of such contaminants. In this study, reduced graphene oxide-based iron oxide, iron nitride, and cobalt ferrite nanocomposites were synthesized using co-precipitation, pyrolysis, and hydrothermal methods. The obtained nanocomposites were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The catalytic performances of the synthesized nanocomposites toward the oxidation of hydroquinone to benzoquinone using H₂O₂ in aqueous solution were comparatively evaluated. The results