In situ green synthesis of Au nanostructures on graphene oxide and their application for catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol

In this communication, we develop a relatively green, and environment friendly route for the synthesis of Au nanostructures on tannic acid (TA)-functionalized graphene oxide (GO) using TA as a reducing and immobilizing agent. The morphologies of Au nanostructures can be controlled by the amount of HAuCl(4) used. The resultant Au nanostructures/GO nanocomposites exhibit good catalytic activity toward 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) reduction and the GO supports also enhance the catalytic activity via a synergistic effect.