Eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles using dry ginger rhizome extract and exploration of their photocatalytic performance

Abstract

Current study presents the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) from a silver precursor utilizing the eco-friendly and cost-effective green synthesis method and their excellent photocatalytic performance. Initially, ginger rhizome powder extract was employed for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles from aqueous silver nitrate (precursor). Ginger rhizome extract was employed as a source of very useful phytochemicals. The extracted phytochemicals can act as capping and reducing agents. The characterization of the as-prepared Ag NPs was accomplished using different tools and techniques such as ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). UV-Vis spectra confirmed the formation of Ag NPs through the generation of absorbance peak at 425 nm, whereas FTIR analysis was effective to identify the biomolecules responsible for the reduction of silver ions into Ag NPs. XRD analysis confirmed the presence of crystalline structure of as-synthesized Ag NPs. Likewise, FE-SEM and HR-TEM accessed the shape, size, and morphology of nanoparticles. The as-synthesized nanoparticles were explored for their photocatalytic performance. Effective synthesis method and remarkable photocatalytic performance of the as-synthesized nanoparticles have revealed that they can be employed in the field of environmental detoxification as the sustainable remedy to water pollution because of organic dyes.