Synthesis of Silver Nanoclusters from <i>Melia azedarach</i> and their Usage for Catalytic Degradation of Variable Organic Dyes

Abstract

Silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) were synthesized from leaf extract of Melia azedarach by top-bottom green synthetic route. The confirmation of yellowish liquid of synthesized silver nanoclusters was done by UV/Vis spectroscopy. After the calcination of liquid silver nanoclusters at 550°C, green powdered AgNCs were further characterized for their metallic nature, size, and morphology by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), nanoZetasizer (NZ) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) respectively. Phytochemical analysis of leaves extract reveals that the hydrolyzable phenolic acids bioactive molecules are responsible for the reduction of silver metal ion to silver nanoclusters. The silver nanoclusters in presence of sodium borohydride reducing agent were utilized as a catalyst for degradation of toxic organic dyes into their non-toxic derivatives. The catalytic reactions were done under controlled temperature and pH conditions and were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy