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Biomimetic 'greener' approach to nanomaterials and their safer application in catalysis and remediation
Citation:
VARMA, R. S. Biomimetic 'greener' approach to nanomaterials and their safer application in catalysis and remediation. Presented at 2010 International Chemical Congress of Pacific Basin Societies (Pacifichem), Honolulu, HI, December 15 - 20, 2010.
Impact/Purpose:
To inform EPA
Description:
Vitamins B1,1a B2, C,1b and tea polyphenols1c which function both as reducing and capping agents, provide extremely simple, one-pot, green synthetic methods to bulk quantities of nanomaterials in water. Shape-controlled synthesis of noble nanostructures via microwave (MW)-assisted spontaneous reduction of noble metal salts using sugars1d and glutathione1e will be presented. A general method has been developed that accomplishes the cross-linking reaction of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with metallic systems; bimetallic systems;2a and SWNT, MWNT, and C-60.2b The strategy is extended to the formation of biodegradable carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) composite films with noble nanometals;2c such metal decoration and alignment of carbon nanotubes in CMC is possible using MW approach2d which also enables the shape-controlled bulk synthesis of Ag and Fe nanorods in poly (ethylene glycol).2e MW hydrothermal process delivers magnetic nanoferrites3 and micro-pine structured catalysts are also obtainable in water from readily available metal salts.4 The eco-friendly generation of magnetic nanoparticles,3 sustainable route to nano particles using polyphenols from waste,5 their applications in catalysis,6,7 toxicity8 and environmental remediation9 will be highlighted.