Fabrication of Silver-Silica Composite using the Carbo-thermal Degradation of Oil Palm Leaves for the Reduction of p-nitrophenol

Abstract

Oil palm leaves are natural sources of bio-silica. In situ carbothermal degradation was conducted at 600°C using silver nitrate as a metallic silver (Ag) precursor and oil palm leaves as a silica (SiO2) source. X-ray diffraction of the solid product (Ag@OPLA600) revealed the presence of Ag and SiO2 from the oil palm leaves. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed an absorbance consistent with the presence of SiO2. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a solid surface with cavities. Ag@OPLA600 was used as a heterogeneous mediator to reduce p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol within 15 minutes. This work provides a new approach for the utilization of sustainable natural resources as a metal Ag supporting material to produce a mediator for the conversion of p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol in a simple manner.