Cu@Ag–CeO₂/Chitosan Nanocomposite: Green Catalyst for Synthesis of 4-Arylidene-isoxazolidinones and Amidoalkyl Naphthols with Density Functional Theory and Antimicrobial Studies

Multifunctional nanocomposites have been developed containing polymer chitosan, nano silver-doped ceria, and copper nanoparticles. Cu–CeO2 catalysts have been widely used as active catalysts whereas doping of Ag to CeO2 is known to enhance the oxygen storage capacity of CeO2. Various characterization tools such as powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray elemental mapping, and high resolution transmission electron microscopy, have been used for the nanocomposite characterization. The surface area was determined by using the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method. Optical properties have been studied by UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The average nanocomposite particle size was found to be 4 nm. The synergistic effects of metal–support interfaces, along with charge transfer between metal oxide and metal, have the capacity to result in noteworthy catalytic properties. The nanocomposite was used as a catalyst for the synthesis of the 4-arylidene-isoxazolidinones and amidoalkyl naphthols, which are the moieties used in the various useful molecules. Its antibacterial activity for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was evaluated as well. A density functional theory study performed supported the experimental findings.