Cellulose grafted poly acrylic acid doped manganese oxide nanorods as novel platform for catalytic, antibacterial activity and molecular docking analysis

Abstract

Various concentrations of cellulose nanocrystal grafted poly acrylic acid (CNC-g-PAA) doped MnO2 nanorods (NRs) were synthesized through a hydrothermal process. This work aimed to analyze the influence of CNC-g-PAA (3, 6, and 9 mL) on MnO2 for catalysis and antibacterial behavior. Various characterization approaches were utilized to investigate the optical, structural, morphological features, and chemical composition of synthesized materials. FTIR results were used to assess the vibrational and rotational modes of the presence of functional groups (OH, CO and Mn-O) in synthesized samples. Electronic spectra revealed a bathochromic shift upon doping that led to decrease in band gap energy. The catalytic activity of CNC-g-PAA doped MnO2 increased gradually with a higher doping ratio owing to a reduction in electron-hole (e−-h+) pair recombination. As a result, 9 mL CNC-g-PAA doped MnO2 is suggested as a valuable and superior catalyst for cleaning the environment and wastewater. In addition, 9 mL CNC-g-PAA doped MnO2 revealed a significant inhibition area for Escherichia coli in comparison to Staphylococcus aureus at high and low doses correspondingly. Further, molecular docking studies of these NRs were performed to get insight into the mystery behind these bactericidal activities.