High catalytic performance of the first electrospun nano‐biohybrid, Mn₃O₄/copper complex/polyvinyl alcohol, from Amaranthus spinosus plant for biomimetic oxidation reactions

Abstract

In this study, a novel nano‐biocomposite, polyvinylalcohol/Mn3O4/water‐soluble copper complex (PVA/Mn3O4/CuWSC), was produced from Amaranthus spinosus. By combining water‐soluble copper nanocomplex and Mn3O4 nanoparticles along with polyvinyl alcohols and extracts of this plant, this bio nanomaterial was prepared via electrospinning process. This nanohybrid was characterized using transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Based on its catalytic activities, it is considered a heterogeneous catalyst and is used for the oxidation of alcohols in industrial reactions. It can oxidize the primary and secondary alcohols to corresponding aldehyde and ketone products with high yield and excellent selectivity using H2O2 under solvent‐free conditions. The recyclability and reusability of PVA/Mn3O4/CuWSC show that it can be a promising catalyst for clean industrial catalytic applications.

Electrospinning based on benign solvents: current definitions, implications and strategies

“…Alternatively, Wei and coworkers dispersed carbon-based quantum dots for simultaneous fluorescent and electrochemical detection of peroxides and glucose. 133 The PVA encapsulation of metal oxides has been investigated in several studies to exploit their catalytic activities, such as the photocatalytic degradation of a dye, 134 Mn 3 O 4 for the peroxide-induced oxidation of alcohols, 135 as well as calcinated fibers containing LiCoO 2 for electrode materials. 136 Focusing primarily on the stability and fluid elasticity of the suspensions, Hua and coworkers demonstrated the spinning of aluminosilicate nanotubes in a PVA matrix.…”

Polyvinyl alcohol‐modified graphene oxide as a support for bimetallic Pt–Pd electrocatalysts to enhance the efficiency of formic acid oxidation

“…Additionally, PVA can chemically bond or materially tangle with a catalyst particle surface 26,27 . The PVA‐modified catalyst materials, which exhibit different mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties, have already been recognized in many applications with specific proposals and high performances 28,29 …”

“…26,27 The PVA-modified catalyst materials, which exhibit different mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties, have already been recognized in many applications with specific proposals and high performances. 28,29 The electrodeposition of xPtyPd bimetallic electrocatalysts on PVA/GO composite supports was prepared to enhance the efficiency of formic acid oxidation. This method allowed us to obtain dispersed xPtyPd on the PVA/GO surface.…”