AuCo Nanoparticles Inserted between the Layers of Ti₃C₂: An Efficient Nanozyme for Aliphatic Nitro‐to‐Amine Reduction

The construction of nanozyme with superior catalytic activity and stable structure is urgently needed in practical application. Herein, AuCo nanoparticles inserted between the layers of Ti₃C₂ (AuCo/Ti₃C₂) are prepared by strong electrostatic adsorption method and thermal treatment process. The nitroreductase‐like activity of AuCo/Ti₃C₂ is explored with a new hydrogenation reaction of 3‐nitropropionic acid (3‐NPA) to beta‐alanine (BA) as probe. AuCo/Ti₃C₂ shows the highest catalytic activity with TOF value of 4.5 × 10¹⁹ molecules·g⁻¹·s⁻¹ in comparison to Au/Ti₃C₂ and Co/Ti₃C₂, attributing to the synergistic effect of Au and Co. In addition, AuCo/Ti₃C₂ also has excellent stability, and the conversion rate of 3‐NPA still can maintain 100% at the fifth cycle, which is due to the insertion of AuCo nanoparticles between the layers of Ti₃C₂, and the insertion prevents the aggregation and the detachment of nanoparticles during repeated uses. The above results demonstrate the feasibility of AuCo/Ti₃C₂ in practical application. The plausible mechanism of 3‐NPA hydrogenation into BA by NaBH₄ in the presence of AuCo/Ti₃C₂ is proposed. This research provides a promising strategy to enhance the stability of nanozyme, and may open up a new approach in reducing aliphatic nitro to amine.