Green synthesis of Ag/AgCl nanocomposites derived from Muntingia calabura L. leaves extract: antioxidant properties and catalytic activity in methylene blue degradation

Abstract

ABSTRACT Ag/AgCl nanocomposites were synthesised using Muntingia calabura L. leaves extract for the first time and were used as antioxidants and catalysts in the degradation of methylene blue (MB). This study aimed to achieve the optimal conditions for synthesising Ag/AgCl nanocomposites using Muntingia calabura L. leaves extract and to examine their antioxidant and photocatalytic activities. Ag/AgCl nanocomposites were confirmed using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Zeta Potential analysis. Optimising various factors revealed that the optimum synthesis of Ag/AgCl nanocomposites involved mixing 3 mL of 2.5 mm AgNO3 with 7.5 mL of the extract and stirring continuously at 60°C for 100 min. The formed Ag/AgCl nanocomposites displayed mainly spherical shapes with some irregular forms, maintaining an average size of 69.04 nm and remaining stable for 6 months. In vitro studies on antioxidant activity using DPPH indicated that the Ag/AgCl nanocomposites exhibited outstanding free radical scavenging activity, with an IC50 of 62.76 mg/L. In addition, Ag/AgCl nanocomposites showed a strong photodegradation potential for MB, with a degradation percentage of up to 82.12% in 210 min. Hence, the results offer a promising approach for the environmentally friendly synthesis of Ag/AgCl nanocomposites using Muntingia calabura L. leaves extract, with significant applications in antioxidants and photocatalysts.