Au Nanoparticles Supported by Porous Aromatic Frameworks-Efficient and Recyclable Catalysts for Nitro Reduction

A strategy has been developed for the preparation of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) supported by porous aromatic frameworks (Au@PAF-184, Au@PAF-185) with high Au NPs loading, good stability and excellent activity. This approach contains two steps: the first step is ion exchange between cationic porous aromatic frameworks with NaAuCl4, fixing AuCl4- by the electrostatic interaction between anions and cations; the second step is reduction with NaBH4. Au@PAF-184 and Au@PAF-185 were successfully prepared accordingly. In comparison with the previously prepared similar types of materials such as Au@PAF-93 (2.86 wt% Au loading) and Au@PAF-94 (4.69 wt% Au loading) prepared by coordination and reduction, etc., the loading of Au NPs of Au@PAF-184 (24.2 wt% Au loading) and Au@PAF-185 (34.9 wt% Au loading) has increased by about 8 times. When employed as catalysts for nitrobenzene reduction, both Au@PAF-184 and Au@PAF-185 exhibited high catalytic activity and excellent reusability.

Automated summary

A strategy has been developed to prepare gold nanoparticles supported by porous aromatic frameworks with high loading, stability, and activity. This approach involves ion exchange and reduction steps, resulting in significantly increased loading and excellent catalytic performance.