Investigation on SiO2 derived from sugarcane bagasse ash and pumice stone as a catalyst support for silver metal in the 4-nitrophenol reduction reaction

Abstract

The application of naturally abundant resources as alternative raw materials has been intensively studied because it is more economical and is also able to reduce solid waste generated by various industries. In this study, SiO2 was successfully extracted from sugarcane bagasse ash and pumice stone by using a low-temperature alkaline extraction method and acid precipitation process with high purity levels (98.4% and 96.3%, respectively). The extracted SiO2 was used as a catalyst support for Ag2O, where the two components were integrated with the impregnation method. The resulting catalysts were characterized to understand their structural features, as well as to see the catalytic performance. All samples of catalysts succeeded to reduce 4-nitrophenol, with differences in their reaction rates. The sample of Ag2O/SiO2, in which SiO2 was extracted from pumice stone, shows higher catalytic activity than that of sugarcane bagasse ash. From the analysis in this study, it is found that the aforementioned phenomenon is closely related to the structural properties of both Ag2O and SiO2 as the catalyst and its support. ？ 2021 Elsevier B.V.