Hybrid
nanocomposites of N-heterocyclic carbene
(NHC)-functionalized conducting polymers (CPs) with gold nanoparticles
(AuNPs) were prepared by concurrent disproportionation and oxidative
coupling. The formation of hybrid nanocomposites, NHC-CP/AuNPs, in
the simultaneous process was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy,
powder X-ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry, and 13C solid-state
NMR analyses. More importantly, the NHC group played a pivotal role
in the dispersion of AuNPs. Further, NHC-CP/AuNPs exhibited good catalytic
activity for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol.