Bovine-serum-albumin-stabilized Au nanocluster/porous layered double hydroxide hybrid catalyst with enhanced efficiency and reusability

This study introduces a novel hybrid catalyst synthesized by electrostatically assembling porous layered double hydroxides (P-LDH) and bovine-serum-albumin (BSA)-stabilized Au nanoclusters (BSA(Au)). Although protein-capped Au nanoclusters demonstrate excellent catalytic potential, considerable BSA aggregation hinders the practical application of BSA(Au). P-LDH's positively charged, porous structure prevents such aggregation, enhancing stability and catalytic efficiency in NaBH₄-mediated p-nitrophenol hydrogenation. Structural analysis confirms uniform BSA(Au) decoration onto P-LDH without disrupting LDH's framework. The catalyst maintains activity over multiple reaction cycles, demonstrating potential for green and sustainable chemistry.