Nowadays, there has been an increasing search for alternative and effective functional bio-based materials for application in several areas, such as in packaging, catalysis, filtration, aeronautic and electronic industries. Cellulose, due to its ubiquitous nature, renewability, biodegradability, broad chemical-modifying capacity and unique mechanical properties, is among the most interesting sustainable resources that can be used for the development of innovative bio-based materials. In addition to conventional plant cellulose fibres, other forms of cellulose have gained considerable attention in recent years, namely different forms of nanocellulose.<br/>One example, is bacterial cellulose (BC) that due to its 3D network nanostructure, high water holding capacity, high crystallinity, and outstanding mechanical strength might impart improved, and in many cases new, properties to the final materials. This biopolymer can be combined with distinct nanofillers, as metal nanoparticles (NPs) and graphene derivatives as graphene oxide (GO), in order to obtain materials with unique structures and functionalities. Platinum NPs and GO are promising examples of nanostructures that can be used in sensors or to develop nanocomposites with catalytic properties. Furthermore, GO can work as excellent support for the homogeneous growing of the Pt NPs enhancing the properties of the final materials, namely their catalytic effect.<br/>This communication aims to report the preparation and characterization of original nanocomposite aerogels based on BC and platinum NPs/GO. Different compositions and preparation methodologies were exploited aiming to address their effect on the morphology and stability of the aerogels. Furthermore, the catalytic activity of the final materials on thioanisol oxidation was accessed.

Functional aerogels based on nanocellulose and platinum nanoparticles/graphene oxide for catalytic applications

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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