In situ synthesis of gold nanoparticle coated composite derived from agar-aldehyde: Characterization and their catalytic activity (vol 25, 101543, 2020)

Here we demonstrate a facile in situ preparation of agar aldehyde (A(ald)) functionalized gold nanoparticles (A(ald)-AuNPs-CH) composites with chitosan (CH) under daylight conditions. Catalytic performance of A(ald)-AuNPs-CH was tested on rapid (similar to 8 min) base free oxidation of glucose to gluconic acid under microwave heating conditions. Conversion and selectivity of glucose to gluconic acid were 71% and 91% in an aqueous medium respectively. Different reaction parameters like effect of microwave duration, temperature and catalyst dosages were studied for glucose oxidation. The abundant seaweed biomass-derived polymeric materials were explored as a catalyst for the first time. The addition advantage of the present study is the synthesized A(ald)-AuNPs-CH can be stored at room temperature.