Biopolymer supports for catalytic metal nanoparticles

Metal nanoparticle catalysts have offered routes to greener chemical processes through opportunities to improve catalyst activity, selectivity and the necessary reaction conditions. Paramount to their successful use is both the provision of stability to these high surface energy particles, essential in the prevention of agglomeration, and the recovery of these often precious metals at end of life.
In this project, structured biopolymer materials for the support of silver nanoparticles (NPs) were produced from cellulose processed using ionic liquid based systems; with the aim of producing stable, immobilised nanoparticles and facilitating metal recovery. We will show that the dissolution and coagulation of cellulose coupled with the in situ production of Ag NPs can be used to produce materials that can be tailored to specific catalytic applications.
Ag-cellulose catalysts (NPs 4 – 8 nm) were used in a model reaction to demonstrate activity, stability and recyclability. Continuous flow experiments are performed in a novel system where the Ag-cellulose catalyst is supported on a single rod to simulate a channel of a future monolithic system. Conventionally the rod can be a porous ceramic material, here a renewable wood where the Ag-cellulose is integrated with cellulose content of the wood is also considered. Thus, presenting a catalyst system produced from renewable materials with the potential of recovering the metal nanoparticles at the end of life.