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

Abstract

Cellulose acetate fibers (CA_fiber), and sheets (CA_sheet) were prepared by wet-spinning, and doctor blade methods, respectively. For CA_fiber, 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 CA_sheet. The prepared CA_fiber and CA_sheet were dipped in a 0.1M aqueous AgNO₃ solution followed by treatment with 0.1M NaBH₄ aqueous solution to synthesize the Ag nanoparticles over stated substrates. The virgin CA_fiber and CA_sheet as well as Ag nanoparticles containing samples (Ag/CA_fiber and Ag/CA_sheet) 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/CA_fiber played better catalytic role in the hydrogenation of 2,6-DNP as compared to the Ag/CA_sheet. Moreover, the catalyst amount effect on the reaction rate constant, ease of separation and reusability of the prepared materials were discussed.

Keywords: Catalysis; Cellulose acetate fiber; Environmental pollution; Silver nanoparticles; Wet spinning.