Synthesis and catalytic properties of silver nanoparticles supported on porous cellulose acetate sheets and wet-spun fibers

Abstract

Cellulose acetate fibers (CAfiber), and sheets (CAsheet) were prepared by wet-spinning, and doctor blade methods, respectively. For CAfiber, the CA-acetone solution was pushed through narrow orifice of the medical syringe into a coagulating bath containing water. The same polymer solution was used for the fabrication of CAsheet. The prepared CAfiber and CAsheet were dipped in a 0.1 M aqueous AgNO3 solution followed by treatment with 0.1 M NaBH4 aqueous solution to synthesize the Ag nanoparticles over stated substrates. The virgin CAfiber and CAsheet as well as Ag nanoparticles containing samples (Ag/CAfiber and Ag/CAsheet) were characterized by FE-SEM, XRD, FTIR, and TGA. These materials were tested as catalysts in hydrogenation of the 2,6-dinitrophenol (2,6-DNP) by NaBH4. The Ag/CAfiber played better catalytic role in the hydrogenation of 2,6-DNP as compared to the Ag/CAsheet. Moreover, the catalyst amount effect on the reaction rate constant, ease of separation and reusability of the prepared materials were discussed.