Synthesis of novel poly(1-naphthylamine)-silver nanocomposites and its catalytic studies on reduction of 4-nitrophenol and methylene blue

A novel poly(1-naphthylamine)-silver (PNA-Ag) nanocomposite has been prepared and used as a heterogeneous catalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and methylene blue (MB). In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been incorporated to PNA via a simple and fast one-step route, where PNA acts as the reductant for silver ions and stabilizer for AgNPs. The prepared PNA-Ag nanocomposites were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), energy dispersive X-ray scattering (EDAX), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. They provided ample evidence for the anchoring of AgNPs to the PNA chains. Enhanced electrochemical performance of the PNA-Ag nanocomposite has been evidenced by cyclic voltammetry studies. Catalytic studies confirmed that the rate of reduction of both 4-NP and MB with sodium borohydride have been enhanced significantly in the presence of AgNPs loaded PNA in comparison to neat PNA. This nanocomposite could find application as catalyst for reductive degradation of toxic organic pollutants. (c) 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48318.