Gold nanoparticles supported on alumina grafted N-doped RGO: A green catalyst for the catalytic degradation of organic dyes and deprotection of oximes

Abstract

An environmentally benign synthetic protocol for the preparation of gold supported N-doped TRGO-modified γ-alumina has been reported. The research focused on the use of different strategies for reduction of GO using natural as well as chemical reducing agents. Fresh tulsi and neem leaf extract were used for bio-reduction of GO, while hydrazine hydrate and sodium borohydride were used for the chemical reduction of GO to obtain RGO. The preliminary analysis from FT-IR and BET surface area authenticated that tulsi leaf extract was the best reducing agent among others for the preparation of RGO. TRGO (tulsi leaf extract reduced graphene oxide) obtained from the reduction of GO via tulsi leaf extract was doped with nitrogen to get N-doped TRGO followed by grafting with γ-Al2O3 and immobilization of Au NPs to get the desired catalyst. The developed catalyst was later examined via different characterization techniques. Further, the synthesized catalyst shows great potential for application in degradation of various dyes and oxidative deprotection of oximes. Nitrogen doping as well as the higher specific surface area of the catalyst were two key parameters influencing the higher catalytic performance of Au@NTRGO-γ-Al2O3. The rational strategy exhibited in the present work provides new insights into the development of green, efficient and sustainable catalysts for different organic transformations.