Enhanced catalytic application of Au@polyphenol-metal nanocomposites synthesized by a facile and green method

Development of novel nanostructure gold-based catalysts with high performance and low cost is of a great scientific interest. Here, a new controllable coordination coating was facilely integrated onto gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) using low-cost natural polyphenols and ferric ions. Heat treatment, organic solvents, special instruments, or additive chemicals were not involved in the whole synthetic procedure. Due to the presence of the unique polyphenol–Fe3+ shell, the as-prepared catalyst showed an improved catalytic performance, pH-responsive character and good stability towards the reduction of 4-NP.