Preparation, Characterization, and Catalytic Activity of Core/Shell Fe3O4@Polyaniline@Au Nanocomposites

• Published in: Langmuir 2009-10, Vol.25 (19), p.11835-11843
• Main Authors: Xuan, Shouhu, Wang, Yi-Xiang J, Yu, Jimmy C, Leung, Ken Cham-Fai
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aniline Compounds - chemistry; Catalysis; Chemistry; Colloidal state and disperse state; Exact sciences and technology; Ferrosoferric Oxide - chemistry; General and physical chemistry; Gold - chemistry; Materials: Nano-and Mesostructured Materials, Polymers, Gels, Liquid Crystals, Composites; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Nanocomposites - chemistry; Physical and chemical studies. Granulometry. Electrokinetic phenomena; Spectrum Analysis; Surface physical chemistry; Theory of reactions, general kinetics. Catalysis. Nomenclature, chemical documentation, computer chemistry
• ISSN: 0743-7463; 1520-5827
• DOI: 10.1021/la901462t

We report a new method to synthesize magnetically responsive Fe3O4@polyaniline@Au nanocomposites. The superparamagnetic Fe3O4@polyaniline with well-defined core/shell nanostructure has been synthesized via an ultrasound-assisted in situ surface polymerization method. The negatively charged Au nanoparticles with a diameter of about 4 nm have been effectively assembled onto the positively charged surface of the as-synthesized Fe3O4@polyaniline core/shell microspheres via electrostatic attraction. The morphology, phase composition, and crystallinity of the as-prepared nanocomposites have been characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). The central Fe3O4 cores are superparamagnetic at room temperature with strong magnetic response to externally applied magnetic field, thus providing a convenient means for separating the nanocomposite from solution. As-prepared inorganic/organic nanocomposite can be used as a magnetically recoverable nanocatalyst for the reduction of a selected substrate.