Paper-based synthesis of Pd-dendrite supported porous gold

• A simple and facile method for synthesis of paper-based porous gold was proposed.
• Porous gold electrode was prepared by using syringe-filter paper.
• Pd-dendrite/PAu and Pd-dot/PAu electrodes were obtained by electrodeposition.
• 4-nitrophenol reduction was selected as model electrocatalytic reaction.

A simple and facile method for the synthesis of paper-based porous gold (PAu) with large surface area using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and filter paper is proposed. Morphology of palladium (Pd) deposited on PAu electrode was adjusted with applied potential, and Pd-dendrite/PAu and Pd-dot/PAu were obtained by electrodeposition. The reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) into 4-aminophenol was chosen as a model reaction and Pd-dendrite/PAu showed high catalytic activity. Even when the reduction potential of 4-NP solution with Pd-dendrite/PAu electrode was applied to the electrode, the reduction rate was enhanced 2.6 times.