Synthesis and Catalytic Activity of Dendrimer-Encapsulated Metal Nanoparticles for Environmental Remediation

A dendrimer with a water-soluble polyethylene glycol (PEG) core and peripheral hydroxyl groups was successfully synthesized. The dendrimer functioned in a dual capacity, serving as both a reducing and stabilizing agent during the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). The characterization of both the dendrimer and the encapsulated nanoparticles involved techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The Ag NPs obtained, encapsulated within the dendrimer, demonstrated notable catalytic efficacy in the reduction of aromatic nitro compounds, employing sodium borohydride (NaBH4) as the reducing agent. The kinetics of these reduction reactions were examined using a UV-Visible spectrophotometer. The results robustly affirm the efficiency of silver nanoparticles encapsulated within dendrimers as catalysts in the reduction of substituted aromatic nitro compounds.