BAGS (Bio-source assisted green synthesis) strategy for preparing nanostructures; the case of MgO mesotubes for wastewater reclamation

Abstract

• “BAGS (Bio-source assisted green synthesis)” is newly termed for biosynthesis of nanostructures. • Subscript to BAGS is appropriately designed for the seven kingdoms of species. • Mesotubular MgO structures are obtained through perfect mimicking of seed fibers’ structure. • High surface area of MgO mesotubes contribute to better photocatalytic removal of MB dye solution under visible radiation. The present work describes about the newly termed “Bio-source assisted green synthesis (BAGS)” strategy that has been successfully carried out for synthesizing Magnesium oxide (MgO) nanostructures by using the seed fiber templates of Calotropis gigantea . This BAGS strategy is of bio-replication mechanism that provided uniform mesotubular structures of MgO (T-MgO) without the involvement of any reducing agents. The shape effect was tested parallelly with spherical-shaped MgO nanoparticles (S-MgO) prepared through a conventional chemical co-precipitation route. Detailed structural, optical, and surface area studies were carried out for the synthesized nanostructures. Methylene blue (MB) dye degradation studies were conducted to assess the photocatalytic ability of both the T-MgO and S-MgO nanostructures under visible light radiation. T-MgO provided better degradation results because of high surface area. T-MgO and S-MgO presented 80% and 65% reduction under visible radiation, respectively. High surface area of T-MgO along with its high crystalline structure might have played a prominent role in the adsorption of dye molecules. This BAGS strategy eases the burden on environment by reducing the impact of harsh chemicals and better utilization of natural resources for effective photocatalyst development. For textile industries’ wastewater treatment plants, these recyclable T-MgO might prove them as efficient catalysts.