Green Synthesis of Silver (Ag) Nanoparticles Using Extract of Apple and Grape and with Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles of 15–25-nm size with spherical shape were synthesized from green synthesis method using apple and grape fruits extract. Synthesized Ag NPs were systematically investigated their optical, surface morphological, photocatalytic, and antibacterial properties. Powder XRD results reveals that Ag nanoparticles with face-centered cubic crystal structure and the results are matched well with the standard value (JCPDS no. 04-0783). The spherical shaped morphology and the average diameter of around 15–25 nm were confirmed through SEM and TEM images. The photocatalytic activities of the catalysts were investigated through the degradation of phenol and congo-red (CR) dye aqueous solutions under visible light irradiation. The results demonstrated that grape extract assisted AgNPs showed more recyclability, high stability (only loss ~ 3%), and superior photocatalytic efficiency towards phenol (95%) and CR (98%) dyes than compared to apple extract assisted AgNPs. The AgNPs were further evaluated for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and the results accomplished that AgNPs were more active against all pathogenic bacteria. Hence, it can be used for medical applications.