Effective degradation of dyes using silver nanoparticles synthesized from Thunbergia grandiflora leaf extract
Thivaharan Varadavenkatesan, Vasundra Nagendran, Ramesh Vinayagam, Louella Concepta Goveas, Raja Selvaraj
Abstract
Motivated by the urgent need to address dye-related environmental pollution, this study explores the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Thunbergia grandiflora leaf extract for its simplicity, affordability, and eco-friendliness. UV–Vis spectroscopy reveals a distinctive signal at 441 nm, while Dynamic Light Scattering shows a zeta potential charge of −18.2 mV, indicating nanoparticle stability. The study demonstrates the catalytic activity of AgNPs in degrading industrial dyes Acid Red 88 and Methylene Blue, showcasing first-order kinetics with kinetic constants of 0.18 min−1 and 0.14 min−1, respectively. Moreover, Scanning Electron Microscopic images reveal predominantly spherical nanostructures, while X-ray diffractometry analysis portrays a face-centered crystalline structure. These findings underscore the potential of AgNPs synthesized from T. grandiflora leaf extract in nanoremediation efforts, offering a sustainable solution to the pressing challenge of dye-contaminated wastewater, thereby contributing to environmental protection.