Silver nanoparticle embedded polymethacrylic acid/ polyvinylpyrrolidone nanofibers for catalytic application

• Published in: Journal of environmental chemical engineering 2021-10, Vol.9 (5), p.106291, Article 106291
• Main Authors: Ajitha, B., Ahn, Chi Won, Yadav, P.V. Karthik, Reddy, Y. Ashok Kumar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Catalytic activity; Nanofibers; Silver nanoparticles; Ultraviolet light
• ISSN: 2213-3437; 2213-3437
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2021.106291

A facile way to fabricate the highly uniform and mono-disperse silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) immobilized in polymer nanofibers has been successfully developed by combining electrospinning technique and photo-reduction method, applicable as efficient catalysts. Herein, poly-vinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) forbids the silver grain growth due to its steric effect and polymethacrylic acid (PMAA) contributes abundant carboxylic groups, which enhances the absorption of silver ions in nanofibers ensuring the growth of high density of AgNPs. UV exposure of nanofibers for 24 h leads to the maximum density of growth of AgNPs in PMAA/PVP nanofibers. The present investigation indicates that the size and spatial distribution of AgNPs can be tailored by changing the concentration of AgNO3 solution consequently, controlling the catalytic activity of AgNPs-immobilized nanofibrous mats. Interestingly, the prepared nanofibers exhibit good catalytic activity towards the reduction of methylene blue an environmental organic pollutant, due to the high density of AgNPs formation in nanofibers. [Display omitted] •Herein, AgNPs embedded PMAA/PVP nanofibers have been developed using electrospinning route.•The existence of AgNPs are confirmed by structural and compositional studies.•Possible mechanism involved in AgNFs for catalytic reduction has been elucidated.•Excellent catalytic activities are obtained for AgNPs/PMAA/PVP nanofibers.