Synthesis and Catalytic Properties of Polyaniline/Au Hybrid Nanostructure

Polyaniline (PANI)/Au hybrid nanostructure was synthesized by a simple two-step process without any other templates or additives. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed to study the morphologies and structures of the hybrid. Results indicate that the AuNPs are evenly immobilized on the PANI nanofibers. Notably, the PANI/Au nanostructure exhibits extremely high catalytic activity toward the organic dyes, 4-nitro phenol (4-NP), and methylene blue (MB), which are attributed to stimulation effects of the AuNPs on the electrons transmission of NaBH4 to 4-NP or MB.