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Sustainable 'Greener' Methods for Chemical Transformations and Applications of Nano-Catalysts
Citation:
VARMA, R. S. Sustainable 'Greener' Methods for Chemical Transformations and Applications of Nano-Catalysts. Presented at the Second International Conference on Sustainable Science and Engineering (ICOSSE) 2011, Tuscon, AZ, January 09 - 12, 2011.
Impact/Purpose:
To inform EPA
Description:
The presentation summarizes our sustainable chemical synthesis activity involving benign alternatives, such as the use of supported reagents, and greener reaction medium in aqueous or solvent-free conditions.1 Synthesis of heterocyclic compounds, coupling reactions, and name reactions are main beneficiaries as exemplified by the MW synthetic reactions catalyzed by basic water or polystyrene sulfonic acid (PSSA). 2 Vitamins B1, B2, C, and tea and wine polyphenols which function both as reducing and capping agents, provide extremely simple, one-pot, green synthetic methods to bulk quantities of nanomaterials in water.3a Shape-controlled synthesis of noble nanostructures via MW-assisted spontaneous reduction of noble metal salts using sugars will be presented.3b A general method has been developed for the cross-linking reaction of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with metallic systems; bimetallic systems,3c and SWNT, MWNT, and C-60.3d The strategy is extended to the formation of biodegradable carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) composite films with noble nanometals;3e such metal decoration and alignment of carbon nanotubes in CMC is possible using MW approach3f which also enables the shape-controlled bulk synthesis of Ag and Fe nanorods in poly (ethylene glycol).3g MW hydrothermal process delivers magnetic nanoferrites4 and micropine structured catalysts are obtainable in water from readily available metal salts.5 Sustainable route to nano particles using polyphenols from winery waste,6 their applications in catalysis,7,8 toxicity9 and environmental remediation10 will be highlighted.