Fabrication of hierarchical MXene-based AuNPs-containing core–shell nanocomposites for high efficient catalysts

MXene is a new type of layered two-dimensional transition metal carbide materials differing from graphene, demonstrating intriguing chemical/physical properties. Here the chemical modification of MXene and next fabrication of core–shell MXene–COOH@(PEI/PAA)n composites have been investigated. The obtained MXene-based composites were treated with gold nanoparticles to form MXene–COOH@(PEI/PAA)n@AuNPs nanocomposites, and their catalytic properties for nitro-compounds were studied. The prepared nanocomposites demonstrated good catalytic activity and reproducibility, showing potential applications in composite catalysts and environmental fields.