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

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 0.1 M aqueous AgNO3 solution followed by treatment with 0.1 M NaBH4 aqueous solution to synthesize the Ag nanoparticles over stated substrates. The virgin 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. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.