Synthesis of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles using Indian Medicinal Plants for Photocatalytic Applications - A Review

Abstract

The green route based on plant extracts has been regarded a valuable alternative to traditional methods for nanoparticle synthesis due to its low cost, biocompatibility, scalability, and absence of the need for additional stabilising agents during nanoparticle creation. In considerable concentrations, plant extracts contain several phytochemicals such as phenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, and tannins, as well as numerous vitamins. During the creation of metal nanoparticles from their respective precursors, these phytochemicals operate as reducing, capping, and stabilising agents. Even if photocatalytic processes are an useful technique for treating harmful organic pollutants, the bulk of present photocatalysts are unable to exploit sunlight enough to accomplish the destruction of these pollutants. According to a number of researchers, metal oxide nanoparticles have substantial photocatalytic activity when exposed to visible light. Among the several chemical and physical processes used to synthesis nanostructured metal oxide, the green synthetic pathway is the most cost-effective and eco-friendly.