Catalytic activity of C₆₀ fullerene nanowhisker-silver nanoprism composite for reduction of 2-nitrophenol

Abstract

A silver nanoprism solution was prepared by reacting silver nitrate (AgNO₃), trisodium citrate dihydrate (C₆H₅Na₃O₇·2H₂O), sodium borohydride (NaBH₄), and ascorbic acid (C₆H₈O₆) in distilled water. The successful formation of the silver nanoprisms was confirmed by UV–visible spectroscopy considering the 350–400 nm and 600–650 nm wavelength ranges. The C₆₀ fullerene nanowhisker-silver nanoprism composite was synthesized through a liquid-liquid interfacial precipitation (LLIP) method using C₆₀-saturated toluene, the silver nanoprism solution, and isopropyl alcohol and characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Its catalytic activity was assessed for the reduction of 2-nitrophenol by monitoring the reaction through UV–vis spectroscopy. A kinetics study was conducted, which indicated that the C₆₀ fullerene nanowhisker-silver nanoprism composite catalyzed reduction of 2-nitrophenol follows a pseudo-first-order reaction.

Keywords:

• C₆₀ fullerene nanowhisker-silver nanoprism composite
• catalytic activity
• 2-nitrophenol reduction
• kinetics study

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by research funding from Sahmyook University, South Korea.