FeO@PANI Hybrid Shell as a Multifunctional Support for Au Nanocatalysts with a Remarkably Improved Catalytic Performance.

Au@FeO@PANI hybrid shells with controllable polyaniline (PANI) coatings as advanced supported catalysts have been fabricated. Specifically, FeO and Au nanoparticles were assembled on SiO templates, followed by conducting polymer PANI coating, leading to the formation of Au@FeO@PANI hybrid shells after the template removal. The resultant supported Au nanocatalysts not only maintain hollow structures but also possess high saturation magnetization (65.46 emu/g). Catalytic tests toward the reduction of 4-nitrophenol in the presence of NaBH indicate that PANI and FeO not only endow high stability and recyclability but also can largely improve the catalytic activity of Au nanoparticles because of their synergetic effects. It is believed that FeO@PANI hybrid shells can be regarded as multifunctional supports for noble metal nanocatalysts with a remarkably improved catalytic performance.