Eco‐friendly approach for synthesis of AgNPs and their catalytic application toward 4‐nitrophenol to 4‐aminophenol reduction

Abstract

The present work emphasises on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) through the treatment of aqueous solutions of Ag nitrate with commonly available sugars, i.e. sucrose as reducing agents. The average particle size, morphology and elemental composition of the NPs are studied through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopic techniques. UV–vis absorption spectroscopy confirms the formation of AgNPs with the strong absorption band at 408 nm. TEM reveals the spherical nature of synthesised AgNPs with a size range of 25–40 nm. Furthermore, catalytic potential of the NPs was examined for reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol in the alkaline medium by using UV–vis spectroscopy. Complete reduction of the 4-NP was achieved within 35 min, thus validating the efficacy of AgNPs as an efficient catalyst. These catalytic capabilities firmly advocate the applications of AgNPs in the purification of polluted water.