In situ synthesis of selfsupported Ag NPs on AgZr2(PO4)3 NASICON type phosphate: Application in catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) based catalysts are highly attractive for catalytic reactions. In this work, self-supported Ag NPs were successfully synthesized through in situ reduction of AgZr2(PO4)(3) (AZP) NASICON-type phosphate using NaBH4 as both a reducing agent (BH4-) and a source of compensator ions (Na+). The growth and self-adhesion of Ag NPs on the AZP surface and the compensation of Ag+ vacancies by Na+ inside the NASICON lattice were confirmed using various characterization techniques. The Ag NPs/Ag1-xNaxZr2(PO4)(3) composite was then evaluated by the conversion of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP). The experimental results indicated that the as-fabricated catalyst revealed excellent performance, where similar to 99% reduction of 4-NP to 4-AP occurred in just 420 s by using only 2 mg of AZP. Additionally, the catalyst showed long-term stability throughout reuse after 10 consecutive cycles and can be recovered and recycled several times with no appreciable loss of catalytic activity.

Automated summary

Self-supported Ag nanoparticles were synthesized by reducing AgZr2(PO4)(3) with NaBH4, and showed excellent catalytic performance in reducing 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol.