Preparation and Catalytic Activity of Gold–Copper Bimetallic Nanoparticles Stabilized by Poly (N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) and Immobilized onto Inorganic Supporters

This paper is devoted to preparation of gold–copper bimetallic nanoparticles deposited on inorganic supporters followed by their use in hydrogen peroxide decomposition and oxidation of ethylbenzene. The bimetallic nanoparticles of Au–Cu at molar ratio of 1:1 were synthesized by hydrothermal method in the presence of stabilizing agent—poly (N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) and reducing agent—glycine. The bimetallic nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, DLS, and TEM techniques. The catalytic activity of Au–Cu bimetallic nanoparticles was evaluated with respect to decomposition of hydrogen peroxide and oxidation of ethylbenzene.