Characterization of Cellulose/Silver Nanocomposites Prepared by Vegetable Oil-Based Microemulsion Method and Their Catalytic Performance to 4-Nitrophenol Reduction

In this work, Cellulose/silver nanocomposites were synthesized through a double vegetable oil-based microemulsion method. Ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([Emim]Ac) or water was used as the polar phase to prepare [Emim]Ac (water) /Triton X-100 + n-butanol/castor oil microemulsions, respectively. The structure of the microemulsions was investigated by the pseudo-ternary phase diagrams and dynamic light scanning data. The microstructure, morphological characteristics, size, thermal stability, and catalytic performance of the as-prepared cellulose/silver nanocomposites were characterized through X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and UV–Visible spectrophotometry. Results revealed that the spherical silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) dispersed homogeneously on the surface of cellulose regenerated from ionic liquid, and the average size of Ag NPs in the nanocomposites could be adjusted by controlling the AgNO₃ concentration and the molar ratio of total polar phase to surfactant. The catalytic activity of cellulose/silver nanocomposites were examined by reducing 4-Nitrophenol to 4-Aminophenol and they displayed much higher activities than the unsupported Ag NPs. This approach is effective for the production of cellulose-supported metal nanoparticles, which offers promise in heterogeneous catalysis. Graphic Abstract:

.