In situ preparation of chitosan/gold nanocomposite: Structural and catalytic properties

Abstract

Abstract Chitosan‐stabilized gold nanoparticles (Cs/Au) film was prepared by casting strategy without a need for reducing and/or stabilizing agents. The shape, size, and crystalline phase were studied using UV ‐visible ( UV ‐vis) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy ( TEM ), and X‐ray diffraction ( XRD ). The nature of the interaction between the Cs and Au nanoparticles was studied using the Fourier transformer infrared ( FTIR ) spectroscopy. The as‐prepared Cs/Au nanocomposite film showed high activity in the catalytic reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐ NP ) to 4‐aminophenol (4‐ AP ) in the presence of an excess amount of Na BH 4 . Furthermore, the Cs/Au film is easily separable, as well as remains active after reused for 3 times. The Cs/Au nanocomposite film could be a promising candidate for various catalytic reactions.