Novel CeO2 yolk–shell structures loaded with tiny Au nanoparticles for superior catalytic reduction of p-nitrophenol

Direct fabrication of core–shell or yolk–shell functional nanomaterials via a facile template-free method remains a challenge. In this work, we present a novel approach that involves straightforward chemical transformation and thermal treatment of the infinite coordination polymer particles to obtain composition-tunable CeO2 yolk–shell structures. Uniform CeO2 yolk–shell hollow spheres with a high surface area are promising support materials for tiny gold nanoparticles (ca. 4 nm), forming Au–CeO2 nanocomposites which exhibit a remarkable catalytic activity and high stability for the reduction of p-nitrophenol. A possible mechanism for the formation of CeO2 yolk–shell microspheres is also proposed.