In situ preparation of film and hydrogel bio-nanocomposites of chitosan/fluorescein-copper with catalytic activity.

Copper nanoparticles were introduced into chitosan/fluorescein (Ch/f) film and hydrogel matrices by immersion of the respective matrix into an aqueous solution containing the precursor metallic salt and further reduction in aqueous medium at 75°C for 3h under nitrogen (N) atmosphere. TGA was used to estimate the metallic content of Ch/f-Cu film and hydrogel nanocomposites. The prepared nanocomposites were proven to be effective as catalytic materials in the reduction of methylene blue (MB) employing NH as reducing agent.