Silica-Gold Core-Shell Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, and Enhanced Catalytic Performance in Hydrogen Peroxide Decomposition

Ikram Ullah Khan ^1*

This study determined the silica-gold core-shell nanoparticles' synthesis and characterization, with their superior catalytic potential for environmental applications.

Abstract

Background: Core-shell nanoparticles, particularly those with a silica core and gold shell, have garnered significant interest due to their tunable optical properties and enhanced catalytic activity. These nanoparticles are promising candidates for applications in environmental catalysis, sensing, and imaging. Methods: This study synthesized silica-gold core-shell nanoparticles using a sol-gel process to form silica cores, followed by functionalization with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and subsequent gold nanoshell deposition. The nanoparticles were characterized using UV/VIS spectrophotometry, zeta potential measurements, particle size distribution analysis, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The catalytic performance was evaluated in the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. Results: The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited a well-defined core-shell structure, confirmed by a distinct surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 520 nm and TEM imaging showing a uniform gold shell of approximately 10 nm thickness. Catalytic testing demonstrated superior performance in hydrogen peroxide decomposition compared to other catalysts, attributed to the high surface area and unique electronic properties of the gold shell. Conclusion: Silica-gold core-shell nanoparticles were successfully synthesized and demonstrated excellent optical and catalytic properties. These findings suggest their potential for applications in environmental catalysis and other fields requiring enhanced catalytic activity. Future studies should aim to optimize synthesis parameters and investigate additional applications.

Keywords: Core-shell nanoparticles, Silica-gold nanoparticles, Catalysis, Surface plasmon resonance, Environmental applications

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