Silver nanoparticles supported on short magnetic PVA/PEI nanofibers for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs)-based nanomaterials are effective catalysts for a wide range of reactions. The recyclability and efficient catalytic properties of Ag-based nanocatalysts have been the focus of significant research interest. Herein, to address these challenges, we incorporated Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (NPs) into a polyvinyl alcohol/polyethyleneimine (PVA/PEI) solution to fabricate PVA/PEI@Fe₃O₄ nanofibrous mats via electrospinning. Subsequently, the magnetic nanofibrous mats were homogenized to produce short magnetic nanofibers, which can be easily separated from the solution using a magnet. These short PVA/PEI@Fe₃O₄ nanofibers were then immersed in an aqueous solution of AgNO₃ to adsorb and reduce Ag ions, resulting in the formation of Ag NPs with an average diameter of approximately 15 nm, uniformly dispersed on the nanofiber surface. The resulting short PVA/PEI@Fe₃O₄/Ag nanofibers exhibit excellent catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-NP, achieving a high conversion rate of 97.0 %. Furthermore, they demonstrated remarkable recyclability, maintaining high catalytic activity throughout six consecutive cycles. The short magnetic nanofibers proposed in this study are anticipated to facilitate the practical application of electrospun nanofibers in the catalytic removal of pollutants.