Testing of photocatalytic potential of silver nanoparticles produced through nonthermal plasma reduction reaction and stabilized with saccharides

Abstract

In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were produced through an atmospheric pressure plasma reduction reaction and tested for photodegradation of methyl blue (MB) under sunlight exposure. The argon plasma born reactive species were used to reduce silver ions to AgNPs in the solution. Glucose, fructose and sucrose were also added in the solution to stabilize the growth process. The glucose stabilized reaction produced the smallest nanoparticles of 12 nm, while sucrose stabilized reaction produced relatively larger nanoparticles (14 nm). The nanoparticles exhibited rough morphology and narrow diameter distribution regardless of stabilizer type. The narrow diameter distribution and small band gap helped activating majority of nanoparticles at a single wavelength of light spectrum. The band gap energy of AgNPs varied from 2.22 eV to 2.41 eV, depending on the saccharide type. The photoluminescence spectroscopy of AgNPs produced emission peaks at 413 nm, 415 nm, and 418 nm. The photocatalytic potential of AgNP samples was checked by degrading MB dye under sunlight. The degradation reaction reached a saturation level of 98% after 60 min of light exposure.