Fe₃O₄@PANI Hybrid Shell as a Multifunctional Support for Au Nanocatalysts with a Remarkably Improved Catalytic...

Au@Fe₃O₄@PANI hybrid shells with controllable polyaniline (PANI) coatings as advanced supported catalysts have been fabricated. Specifically, Fe₃O₄ and Au nanoparticles were assembled on SiO₂ templates, followed by conducting polymer PANI coating, leading to the formation of Au@Fe₃O₄@PANI hybrid shells after the template removal. The resultant supported Au nanocatalysts not only maintain hollow structures but also possess high saturation magnetization (65.46 emu/g). Catalytic tests toward the reduction of 4-nitrophenol in the presence of NaBH₄ indicate that PANI and Fe₃O₄ not only endow high stability and recyclability but also can largely improve the catalytic activity of Au nanoparticles because of their synergetic effects. It is believed that Fe₃O₄@PANI hybrid shells can be regarded as multifunctional supports for noble metal nanocatalysts with a remarkably improved catalytic performance.