Preparation of highly-stable and recyclable novel Au/ZrP composite catalyst for 4-nitrophenol reduction

Abstract

Zirconium phosphate (ZrP) nanosheets were synthesized and modified with tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBA) to form ZrP nanosheets. The ZrP nanosheet surface was modified with organosilane N1-(3- trimethoxysilylpropyl) diethylene triamine molecules to generate an amine-terminated surface that prevents the aggregation of Au nanoparticles (Au NPs). These Au NPs anchor to ZrP in a single, highdensity layer through their affinity for the amino functional groups to produce a Au/ZrP composite catalyst. Structure confirmation and characterization were performed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, field-emission transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The Au/ZrP composites demonstrated excellent performance and stability as catalysts for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) within 180 s. These composites have potential for industrial applications where separation and recycling are imperative.