Functionalized cellulose-preyssler heteropolyacid bio-composite: An engineered and green matrix for selective, fast and in–situ preparation of Pd nanostructures: synthesis, characterization and application

A new and green engineered biocomposite was synthesized by sol–gel method, using different loadings of the Preyssler heterpolyacid (8, 15, 25, 40 and 50 wt%) on the functionalized microcrystaline cellulose surface. For the first time, this two-component polymeric biocomposite used for in-situ catalytic synthesis of Pd nanoparticles with the aim of producing tricomponent nanobiocomposites. Preyssler loading on the functionalized surface, controled the size and shape of Pd nanoparticles, time, and pH of their formation. All biocomposites and nanobiocomposites were characterised by FTIR, XRD, BET, TGA, SEM, EDS and TEM. The SEM analysis for two component polymeric biocomposites confirmed the presence of the Preyssler on the surface of functionalized cellulose. The formation of Pd nanoparticles on the surface, was observed by color changing (yellow to deep brown) and confirmed by UV–visible spectroscopy. The Pd nanoparticles formation was fast (2–4 min) for 8 wt% in pH = 2–3 at 80 °C. TEM analysis illustrated the spherical Pd nanoparticles with a size of 5–20 nm, at the lowest loading of Preyssler, and rod shapes with a size of 30–40 nm at the highest loading. The obtained nanobiocomposite exhibited high catalytic activity for the decolourisation of tartrazine, as a model of dyes pollutant in the industry with high degradation efficiency. The catalytic reactions were extended with other azo dyes including methyl orange and rodamine B.