Gel–based Controlled Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Their Applications in Catalysis, Sensing and Environmental Remediation

We report herein a novel gel-based method of generating silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for various applications. An unorthodox pyridyl-pyrazole basedchelatinglow molecular mass gelator was used for controlled synthesis of multifunctional AgNPs. The resultant fiber networks of gel itself act as template for AgNPs formation when a threshold concentration of Ag salts is exceeded. It is noteworthy here that existence of such threshold condition for AgNP formation is strategically important but under explored. The as-synthesized AgNPs exhibit efficient catalytic activity of the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and Methylene blue.The as-synthesized AgNPs shows highly selective sensing ability of toxic Hg2+ ion in ppm level. Furthermore, our system also offers a unique two-in-one environmental remediation through sequestration-cum-reduction of toxic hexavalent Cr.