Biotemplated synthesis of catalytic Au-Pd nanoparticles

In this paper, we demonstrate a facile route to carbon-supported nanoparticles of a gold/palladium alloy which exhibit catalytic activity for the oxidation of benzylic alcohols, using the biopolymer chitosan. The biomolecule acts triply as a structure-directing agent, anti-sintering matrix and in situ source of carbon in which the catalytically active nanoparticles are dispersed. The catalyst works without the need for environmentally harmful bases and solvents.