Catalytic degradation of organic pollutant by biosynthesized silver nanoparticles using Trigonella foenum-graceum L. leaves

Abstract

Abstract The usefulness of plant extracts in the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have received a lot of interest since it is easy, environmentally benign, stable and economical. The present study involves biosynthesis of AgNPs using Trigonella foenum-graceum L. leaf extract belonging to specific variety HM (Hisar Mukta) 425. The different reaction conditions such as amount of leaf extract, temperature, concentration of silver nitrate, pH and incubation period were optimized by using UV-Visible spectrophotometer. The average particle size, morphology and elemental composition of the AgNPs were studied through UV-Vis spectroscopy, Particle size analyser (PSA), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The average size of AgNPs was found to be 19 nm and were spherical in shape. The efficacy of AgNPs as a catalyst was confirmed by the 13 minutes completion of the organic pollutant p-nitrophenol (p-NP) reduction. Their catalytic capabilities strongly support the use of AgNPs in the purification of contaminated water.