Recycling nanocatalysts by tuning solvent quality

Catalytic surfactant stabilized gold-containing nanoparticles have been recovered by a new isothermal low-energy approach, by controlled and reversible changes in colloid stability based on fine-tuning of solvent quality. Once recovered, the nanoparticles can be re-dispersed in the solvent, or indeed dispersed into a different solvent. The morphology of the nanoparticles is not significantly affected by the recovery process and they can be used and reused as oxidation catalysts.

An isothermal low-energy method permits facile recovery of nanoparticles for a wide range of applications by tuning solvent quality.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (52 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights
► Gold-containing nanocatalysts have been recycled by fine-tuning of solvent quality.
► The separation and recovery process does not affect the morphology of the nanoparticles.
► The recovered nanomaterials can be used and reused as oxidation catalysts.