Novel Au Nanoparticles-Strewn MnOOH Nanorod Composites: Simple Fabrication and Application in the Catalytic Reduction of Aromatic Nitro Compounds

In this study, a surface functionalization process was designed for the preparation of Au nanoparticles-strewn MnOOH nanorods with enhanced catalytic performance for reduction of aromatic nitro compounds. (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane was used as a modifier to link MnOOH nanorods and Au nanoparticles. The as-obtained nanocomposite was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM/HRTEM), selected area electron diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Our results showed that the MnOOH/Au nanocomposite can be used as a highly efficient catalyst for the reduction of aromatic nitro compounds in the presence of NaBH4 solution.