An Ecoconceptual Synthesis Process of Silver Nanoparticles Integrating the Valorization of a Food Waste: The Peanut Shell

Abstract

A green synthesis process of silver nanoparticles in an eco-conceptual approach to sustainable development is reported. This eco-friendly process is based on the valorization of a food waste, the peanut shell carrying natural chemical compounds able to reduce silver ions. The physicochemical characterizations performed to allow for validation of the success of this green chemistry approach: ultraviolet-visible and infrared spectroscopies validate the formation of silver nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction ensures the good crystallinity of these biogenic nanoparticles, while transmission electron microscopy allows highlighting of the morphology of these biosourced colloids. The results of the study of photocatalytic degradation of a model molecule by these biosynthesized nanoparticles demonstrate that they can be part of a completely sustainable process of depollution from its starting point, i.e., the design of the nanoparticle, to the application of pollution remediation.