Synthesis of Ag0 nanoparticles using hibiscusrosa-sinensis leaf extract supported on cellulose extracted from Bambusa tulda: A sustainable catalyst for the controlled acceptorless dehydrogenation of alcohols

Silver nanoparticles are widely studied due to their multifunctional applications in optics, sensing, antimicrobial systems, and catalysis, making them valuable in advancing modern technologies. The development of such advanced materials using renewable natural resources and eco-friendly procedures has gained significant interest for sustainable development. In this study, metallic Ag⁰ nanoparticles were synthesized using Hibiscus leaf (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) extract as a natural reducing agent and immobilized on a cellulose support, yielding a green nanocomposite i.e. Ag⁰ nanoparticles supported on cellulose. The resulting Ag⁰-nanocomposite was thoroughly characterized using UV-Visible spectroscopy, Powder X-Ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis, Elemental Dot Mapping, Transmission Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. The nanocomposite was then employed as a heterogeneous nanocatalyst for the acceptorless dehydrogenation of various alcohols to their corresponding aldehydes and ketones in nitrogen environment under mild conditions. The aldehydes and ketones obtained from acceptorless dehydrogenation are used as a raw material for pharmaceuticals. The nanocatalyst exhibited excellent activity in aqueous media in the presence of NaOH, achieving maximum product conversions within 5 h. Notably, the catalyst demonstrated good recyclability and maintained its catalytic efficiency over multiple cycles without significant loss of activity. The use of renewable materials, mild reaction conditions, and green solvents emphasizes the potential of Ag⁰ nanoparticles supported on cellulose as an efficient and sustainable catalyst in green chemical transformations.