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Hyper crosslinked polymer supported NHC stabilized gold nanoparticles with excellent catalytic performance in flow
Constantin Eisen1, Lingcong Ge1, Elena Santini2
1Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna Währinger Straße 42 1090 Vienna Austria michael.reithofer@univie.ac.at.
Nanoscale Advances
|February 17, 2023
Summary
This study introduces N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) stabilized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on hyper-crosslinked polymers (HCPs) as efficient heterogeneous catalysts. These novel HCP·NHC@AuNPs demonstrate rapid and recyclable catalytic decomposition of 4-nitrophenol.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Catalysis
Background:
- Metallic nanoparticles (NPs) are crucial for heterogeneous catalysis but require stabilization.
- N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) stabilized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) offer enhanced stability.
- Combining NHCs with support structures on functional supports is desirable for improved catalyst performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize hyper-crosslinked polymers (HCPs) with benzimidazolium precursors for NHC stabilization of AuNPs.
- To develop a method for creating NHC-functionalized HCP supported AuNPs (HCP·NHC@AuNPs).
- To evaluate the catalytic activity and recyclability of HCP·NHC@AuNPs in 4-nitrophenol decomposition.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of hyper-crosslinked polymers (HCPs) incorporating benzimidazolium units.
- A two-step procedure to load and stabilize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) onto the functionalized HCPs.
- Characterization of the synthesized materials to confirm NHC formation and AuNP stabilization.
- Catalytic testing of HCP·NHC@AuNPs in batch and flow reactors for 4-nitrophenol decomposition.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis of hyper-crosslinked polymers with integrated NHC precursors.
- Confirmation of NHC acting as a stabilizer for AuNPs within the porous polymer network.
- Achieved >99% conversion of 4-nitrophenol in batch reactions within 90 seconds.
- Demonstrated excellent catalytic conversion and exceptional recyclability in flow conditions.
Conclusions:
- HCP·NHC@AuNPs represent a highly effective and stable heterogeneous catalyst.
- The functional support strategy enhances the performance and recyclability of AuNP catalysts.
- This approach offers a promising pathway for developing advanced catalytic materials.
