Cationic lignin/silver hybrid nanoparticles with antibacterial activity as robust catalysts for hydrogenation

The development of multifunctional nanocatalysts is critical for effective treatment of wastewater containing both organic and microbial contaminants. In this work, cationic lignin nanoparticles were synthesized via a single-step reaction by introducing quaternary ammonium groups into kraft lignin. These cationic ammonium lignin (CAL) nanoparticles acted simultaneously as stabilizing and reducing agents for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), forming a CAL@Ag hybrid nanoparticles (CAL@AgNPs) with enhanced colloidal stability and dispersion. Comprehensive characterizations confirmed the successful synthesis and controllable formation of AgNPs on the lignin matrix. The resulting nanocomposite exhibited excellent catalytic activity in the hydrogenation of organic compounds in the presence of NaBH 4 . Notably, the catalyst retained its activity after 20 successive reuse cycles. Moreover, CAL@AgNPs exhibited excellent antibacterial efficacy against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. These results underscore the considerable potential of CAL@AgNPs to serve as sustainable and effective nanocatalysts in the fields of environmental remediation and wastewater treatment. • CAL@AgNPs were successfully fabricated via facile and eco-friendly method. • CAL served a dual role as both a reducing agent and a stabilizing agent for Ag + . • CAL@AgNPs exhibited excellent catalytic performance in reducing organic compounds. • CAL@AgNPs demonstrated excellent antibacterial activity. • It provided a strategy for a biocatalyst platform for environmental remediation.