A Green Route Strategy for the Synthesis of Multifunctional Polymer Nanocomposites for Environmental Sustainability. Issue 4 (30th January 2019) - Mazumdar, Payal
Abstract: Herein, one‐step green strategy is demonstrated for the synthesis of multifunctional polymer nanocomposite material using eco‐friendly thiol‐enephotopolymerization reaction at room temperature without use of any crosslinking agents. The greener route of thiol‐ene click reaction results in the formation of extremely high functional groups incorporated crosslinked surface as the thiol groups are reacted with each double bond in the nanograpite network, which is difficult to obtain by any other conventional method. In an attempt to encounter with environmental issues, this facile nanocomposite material can not only detect organic vapor in air but also degrades organic pollutant and microorganisms in water. The response time obtained by thiol‐ene functionalized nanocomposite (TE‐f‐NC) material is recorded as 6 seconds and the recovery is not more than 60 seconds towards formaldehyde vapors. The TE‐f‐NCs for detection of formaldehyde vapor will make a value‐added ultimate product and their commercialization will directly benefit to the society. Moreover, the photocatalytic activity of the obtained TE‐f‐NC material for the degradation of methyl blue (MB) under UV irradiation source was investigated, and found more than 50% of the initial concentration of MB dye degraded within first 3 min using TE‐f‐NC (0.6%) polymer nanocomposite. Along with photocatalytic activity, It is worth pointing out that the hybrid material can be readily used for antimicrobial activity toward various pathogenic microbes depicting the growth inhibition of microorganism by disrupting the cell walls. Abstract : Demonstration of a green synthesis of a novel multifunctional polymer nanocomposite, which can detect the organic vapour in air as well as degrades organic pollutant and microorganisms in water. Along with photocatalytic activity, this hybrid material can also be readily used for antimicrobial activity toward various pathogenic microbes depicting the growth inhibition of microorganism by disrupting the cell walls exhibiting a sustainable material for energy conservation.