Unravelling the dual photocatalytic behavior of highly luminescent AuIn nanoclusters for degradation of 4-nitrophenol and dye pollutants

Bimetallic fluorescent nanomaterials have garnered significant attention owing to their superior photoluminescent and catalytic activities. Herein, a novel glutathione stabilized bimetallic AuIn nanoclusters framework were synthesized for the first time via a rapid one-pot microwave-assisted approach, with complete formation achieved within 2 minutes, along with monometallic Au nanoclusters (AuNCs) for comparison. The comprehensive characterization using UV-Vis and Fluorescence spectroscopy, HRTEM, DLS, XPS, FT-IR, EDX with mapping, TGA, and zeta potential analysis which confirmed the formation of uniformly spherical AuIn nanoclusters framework with an average diameter of 125 nm and improved colloidal and thermal stability compared to only AuNCs. The photoluminescence studies revealed significantly enhanced emission for AuIn nanoclusters framework relative to AuNCs. Further, the photocatalytic behavior of novel AuIn nanoclusters framework was evaluated based on two applications, the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and degradation of toxic dyes, including both cationic and anionic dyes such as RhB, MB, MO, CR and RB. The AuIn nanoclusters catalyzed the 4-NP reduction within 60 seconds which is comparatively faster than AuNCs and exhibited superior dye degradation efficiency. The kinetic study confirmed that both processes pseudo first order kinetics. The fluorescent AuIn bimetallic nanoclusters framework demonstrated enhanced photophysical and catalytic activity relative to monometallic AuNCs, demonstrating their potential as emerging platforms for advanced functional nanomaterials in future technological applications. abstract should summarize the content of your presentation, including the background, methods, results, and conclusions.

Amit Bharti, a research scholar (Ph.D.) in the Department of Chemistry at Panjab University. His research focuses on the design and synthesis of advanced fluorescent metallic and carbon-based nanomaterials with potential applications in catalysis, sensing and in biomedical field. He also work on the self-assembly of organic and biomolecules, contributing as a co-author to published research in this field. His objective is to develop novel functional nanomaterials by integrating nanotechnology and supramolecular chemistry, aiming to advance the understanding and practical application of nanoscale materials for solving complex environmental and technological challenges.