Catalytic Reduction of 4-Nitrophenol Using Gold Nanoparticles Supported on Carbon Nanotubes

This study involves the catalytic applications of multi-walled carbon nanotube-supported Au nanoparticles. Catalytic activity is demonstrated via the probe reaction of reducing 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) into 4-aminophenol (4-AP) in the presence of borohydride under ambient temperature and pressure conditions. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were coated with 12 nm Au nanoparticles to form the catalyst, and the reduction of 4-NP to 4-AP was successful using 1.00 mg of the Au nanoparticles supported on the MWCNTs. This efficient and eco-friendly highly reactive catalyst has potential for use in a wide variety of large-scale applications. (C) 2014 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.