Facile synthesis of Ag nanoparticles-anchored polydopamine-modified polyurethane sponge for the effective catalysis of organic pollutants from wastewater

In this study, the novel three-dimensional porous silver/polydopamine/polyurethane (Ag/PDA/PU) sponge was synthesized by a facile method. The PU sponge modified by polydopamine (PDA/PU) was employed not only as a carrier but also as a reducing agent. Ag ions can be in situ reduced on the fiber surface of PDA/PU sponge. The as-prepared Ag/PDA/PU sponge was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX). The results showed that the as-formed Ag nanoparticles had been successfully loaded onto the fiber surface of the sponge. The Ag/PAD/PU sponge exhibited higher catalytic activity for the organic pollutant in wastewater with the assistance of NaBH 4 medium. The novel Ag/PDA/PU sponge has the potential application for the treatment of wastewater containing organic pollutant due to its high catalytic efficiency, low cost, and facile synthesis process.