Multiple Au cores in CeO2 hollow spheres for the superior catalytic reduction of p-nitrophenol

In many catalytic systems the structure of the catalyst plays a crucial role in the reaction especially for catalytic reduction, organic pollutant oxidation and other organic transformations. Herein, we report a template-free approach to the synthesis of multiple Au cores in CeO2 hollow spheres (MACCHS). This material was fabricated by impregnating CeO2 hollow spheres with a HAuCl4 aqueous solution. NaBH4 was then used to reduce HAuCl4 to Au nanoparticles to form multiple Au cores in the CeO2 hollow spheres. We used MACCHS as a catalyst for p-nitrophenol reduction and achieved excellent activity. The catalyst showed enhanced stability toward p-nitrophenol reduction compared with bare Au nanoparticles and CeO2 hollow spheres. This simple method to achieve multi-core-in-shell hollow structures will likely have applications in various biological, medical and energy related fields.

Graphical AbstractA novel catalyst with multiple Au cores in CeO2 hollow spheres was synthesized using an impregnation method, and it exhibited high activity and stability during the catalytic reduction of p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide