A Xyloside-Based Ligand to Stabilize Gold Nanoparticles: Preparation and Application

Water-soluble and air-stable gold nanoparticles stabilized by a xyloside-based ligand containing a pyridine ring-functionalized 1,2,3-triazole backbone were prepared in the presence of a reducing agent. During their preparation, UV-vis and NMR spectroscopic techniques were used to study the interaction between the xyloside ligand and Au(III) ions. These AuNPs were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, TEM and DLS and showed a small size (average diameter<10 nm determined by TEM). Their catalytic activity was tested in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) in water.