Bulk Level Synthesis of Solid Silver Nanocatalyst: Green Mediated Approach

Abstract

The synthesis of silver nano particles has acquired more attention in terms of its applicability in various fields including medicine, environmental, electronics and energy. Owing to its exceptionally good catalytic activity, this particular study is focused on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles in bulk scale, free from capping agents. Apart from the conventional colloidal green synthesis, the silver nanoparticles were synthesized in solid form using a cheap green medium lime fruit extract. The green mediated sol-gel auto combustion method eliminates the use of hazardous reducing agents and tedious purification processes. The structure, morphology and purity of the synthesized material were explored through various analytical techniques. TEM studies revealed that the synthesized silver nanoparticles were spherical in shape with average particle size of 8 nm. The potential of the silver nanoparticle as a catalyst towards reduction of organic compounds and dye degradation was established by conducting nitrophenol reduction and methylene blue degradation as a basic reaction. The nanoparticles were found to have effectively catalysed the reduction of p-nitrophenol and degradation of methylene blue with the aid of sodium borohydride as reducing agent. It may open up new path for the chemical free synthesis of crystalline silver nanoparticles with enhanced catalytic property.