Polyaniline:poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate)-stabilized gold nanoparticles as efficient, versatile catalysts

Gold nanoparticles were stabilized by a polyaniline:poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PANI:PSS) matrix and readily dispersed in water over a wide range of pH. In contrast to nanoparticles passivated by alkanethiolates that formed a compact capping layer on the nanoparticle surface, the PANI:PSS–Au nanocomposites exhibited apparent catalytic activity in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol in the presence of excessive NaBH4, with reasonably good recyclability, which was likely due to the large accessible surface area. In addition, the PANI:PSS–Au nanocomposites also demonstrated peroxidase-like catalytic activity as evidenced by the colorimetric detection of H2O2 and glucose with PANI:PSS–Au as the enzymatic mimic. The present method may find potential applications in the design, preparation and functionalization of noble nanoparticles as efficient, versatile, and recyclable catalysts with high dispersibility and stability in aqueous media.