Synthesis and characterization of Cu, Ag and Au dendrimer-encapsulated nanoparticles and their application in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol.
Here, we report on the synthesis, characterization and catalytic evaluation of Cu, Ag and Au dendrimer encapsulated nanoparticles (DENs). Generations 4-6 of PAMAM-OH and PAMAM-NH(2) were used as templating agents for the synthesis of Cu and Ag-DENs respectively. Generation 4 PAMAM-NH(2) dendrimers were used for the synthesis of Au-DENs. These prepared DENs were characterized using UV visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy as well as a high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The catalytic activity of these DENs was evaluated on the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AMP) by sodium borohydride (NaBH(4)). The reaction was monitored by UV-vis spectroscopy at λ 400 nm. These prepared DENs were found to exhibit good activity for this reduction reaction.
Centre for Synthesis and Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Mulisa
M
Nemanashi
Reinout
R
Meijboom