Abstract
In this study, a green approach of synthesizing stable biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous extracts of rhizomes of Alpinia calcarata Rosc. and silver nitrate has been reported and is being used in the photocatalytic degradation of Procion Bright Turquoise MX-G reactive dichlorotriazine dye. Green synthesis biogenic silver nanoparticles using aqueous extracts of dry rhizomes of Alpinia calcarata Rosc. take place within 30 minutes. The bioreduced silver nanoparticles have been characterized by Ultraviolet-visible Spectroscopy, Powder X-Ray Diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and have been found to be 2-20 nm in size. The photocatalytic degradation effect on Procion Bright Turquoise MX-G dye takes place within 60 minutes and is confirmed by the decrease in absorbance in the concentration of the dye with increase in time. This method of synthesizing silver nanoparticles is found to be very cost effective and eco-friendly and thus can be economical and an effective alternative for a large scale production of biogenic silver nanoparticles. These biologically synthesized biogenic silver nanoparticles are also very effective in photocatalytic degradation of Procion Bright Turquoise MX-G dye which is a commercial reactive dichlorotriazine dye. These biogenic silver nanoparticles can thus be used in degradation of dyes in textile industries before leaving out the dye effluent into the environment.
