Fabrication of nanofibrous vinyl brushes of clay minerals as an active support for gold nanoparticles for catalytic reduction

This study encompasses the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) captured on nanofibrous vinyl brushes (NVBs) using sepiolite nanoclay as a matrix. The diameter of GNPs was found to be 2–8 nm investigated by a particle-size analyzer. Due to the high surface reactivity, GNPs are more susceptible to agglomeration which reduces their efficacy as catalyst. A suitable support could be employed to arrest the discrete gold particles on its surface. The distinct textural morphology of sepiolite allows it to be a promising choice as support. Silanol groups on the surface of sepiolite nanofibers were consumed to graft vinyl brushes using hydrolyzed vinyl triethoxy silane. This grafting was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy. Morphological studies of developed nanocomposites (AuNVBs) were conducted by TEM and FESEM revealing evidently the incorporation of well-distributed GNPs. XRD diffractograms have validated the connectivity of GNPs on NVBs surface. GNPs immobilized on the surface of NVBs are commendable candidates as catalyst to enhance the reaction rate for the conversion of 4- nitrophenol to 4- aminophenol.

Graphical abstract