Single-step preparation of recyclable silver nanoparticle immobilized porous glass filters for the catalytic reduction of nitroarenes

Abstract

In this study, a single-step preparation method for producing silver nanocatalysts was developed based on the silver-mirror reaction, and the prepared nanocatalysts were used to catalytically reduce nitroarenes. Sintered glass-filter discs were used as supports for the silver nanocatalysts not only to prevent the immobilized silver nanoparticles from aggregating but also to increase the loading capacity of the catalyst supports more effectively. Parameters that affect the morphologies of the prepared silver nanocatalysts, including the concentration of Ag⁺ in Tollen's reagent and porosity of the glass-filter supports are studied to obtain the appropriate morphologies for catalytically reducing 2-nitroaniline. Other factors that vary the efficiencies of the catalytic reduction, such as pH, temperature, the ability to reduce different nitroarenes, and the reusability of the silver catalysts were also studied to obtain a further understanding of the characteristics of the silver nanocatalysts prepared by conducting a silver-mirror reaction.