Abstract
Lignin as an advanced catalyst support has attracted much attention owing to its sufficient functional groups and natural cross-linked network structure, as well as good biodegradability. Herein, we fabricate a pair of lignin-reactors with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) supported outside or embedded in pre-hydrolyzed lignin (designated as Ag/PL or Ag@PL, respectively) via the self-assembly approach, which could be used for efficient catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). Through this strategy, the phase transitions and morphology changes of reactors could be achieved based on the pH responsiveness of lignin. The resultant Ag/PL exhibits a much higher catalytic activity (TOF 5.2 × 103 h−1, k 4.8 × 10−2 s−1) as compared to that of Ag@PL (TOF 2.5 × 103 h−1, k 2.3 × 10−2 s−1) under a low NaBH4 concentration (n[NaBH4]/n[4-NP], 100) at room temperature, which notably surpasses those of previously reported carbon-supported catalysts. The enhanced catalytic performance of Ag/PL is attributed to the fact that the fully exposed Ag NPs on the interface possess close proximity to the reactant. This work not only provides a promising route to design advanced catalysts in wastewater treatment system, but also paves the way for lignin valorization into functional-materials.
Published Version
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