Metal nanoparticle-embedded bacterial cellulose aerogels via swelling-induced adsorption for nitrophenol reduction

Bacterial cellulose aerogels were chosen as the substrate for supporting and dispersing metal nanoparticles (Cu and Ni). During the catalyst preparation, we found that the swelling-induced adsorption process could control the metal size and dispersion simultaneously. Cu and Ni nanoparticles were confined into the bacterial cellulose network and SEM results demonstrated that Cu particles had a smaller size compared to Ni particles. The metal-loaded catalysts exhibited good catalytic performance in the 4-nitrophenol reduction reaction. The optimal sample (BC-Cu-0.5) prepared with 0.5 wt% CuSO₄ solution could complete the reduction process within 8 min. Besides, the BC-Cu-0.5 catalyst showed excellent stability and reusability. This study sheds light on the deposition of metal particles and provides a wider application for bacterial cellulose.