Preparation and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles/Carbon Nanofibers via Electrospinning With Research on Their Catalytic Properties

Abstract

Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) embedded carbon nano¯bers (CNFs) were prepared by a new route which included chemical reaction process, electrospinning and calcination technique. The morphology and structure of the composite nano¯bers were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray di®raction. It indicated that Ag NPs were uniformly distributed in the CNFs. This e®ective synthesis method can be used to prepare other composite nano¯bers with functionality. The Ag NPs/CNFs that served as supported catalysts were used in the styrene epoxidation by TBHP. The Ag NPs/CNFs catalyst showed its highly catalytic activity for the epoxidation of styrene (conversion: 40.6%, SO selectivity: 35.9%). This kind of composite nano¯ber membrane was proved e®ectively catalytic activity and recycled easily in the styrene epoxidation.

Catalytic activity of electrospun Ag and Ag/carbon composite fibres in partial methanol oxidation

“…Silver nanoparticles (NP) dispersed in carbon fibres produced by electrospinning of Ag nitrate and polymer containing precursor with subsequent reduction were tested for catalytic activity in styrene epoxidation. 9,10 Electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibres were immersed in Ag nitrate solution followed by reduction and tested in methylene blue reduction process. 11 Silica fibres with dispersed AgNP were prepared by either electrospinning the Ag nitrate containing precursor 12 or immersing the activated electrospun silica nanotubes in Ag nitrate solution with subsequent reduction.…”