Rapid synchronous synthesis of Ag nanoparticles and Ag nanoparticles/holocellulose nanofibrils: Hg(II) detection and dye discoloration

A novel microwave-assisted green method that synchronously synthesizes silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and AgNPs decorated holocellulose nanofibrils (AgNPs/HCNF) within a minute and without using a reducing agent is reported. As obtained nanomaterials were well characterized using various analytical techniques. AgNPs applied as a colorimetric probe for the selective recognition of Hg(II) (linear range 10-200 μg L^-1, detection limit 1.16 μg L^-1). The probe was able to quantify Hg(II) in spiked tap, bore, and lake water samples and paper strips were developed to facilitate the onsite detection. Furthermore, freeze-drying of the AgNPs/HCNF nanocomposite produced aerogel that served as an excellent catalyst for the reduction of Congo red and methylene blue. The aerogel was easily recovered and reused without a decrease in activity or deterioration of its structure for five cycles. These results indicate the great potential of the AgNPs/HCNF aerogel for waste water treatment and catalytic applications.

Keywords: Aerogel; Congo red (CID: 11313); Dye pollution; Hemicellulose; Mercuric chloride (CID: 24085); Methylene blue (CID: 6099); Microwave-assisted synthesis; Paper strip; Reusable catalyst; Silver nitrate (CID: 24470); Sodium borohydride (CID: 4311764); Sodium hydroxide (CID: 14798).