Green synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized with Nigella Sativa seed extract

Abstract

Abstract This study introduces a new method for synthesizes of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), prepared within Nigella Sativa (NS) extract. NS extract in the process is more advantageous over other processes because NS acts as a highly efficient stabilizing as well as reducing agents due to highly metabolites like flavonoids, terpenoids, proteins etc. These agents are responsible for the formation of AgNPs and contain reducing and stabilizing properties. The as-obtained AgNPs were investigated by various characterization techniques such as Ultra-visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), Zeta Potential, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high-resolution TEM (HR-TEM) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) analysis was performed to identify the potential bimolecules responsible for the reduction of silver ions. The elemental composition was accomplished by using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm, pore volume, specific surface area and size of NPs was measured by using BET. The maximum absorbance of UV–Vis was found at 426\xa0nm. TEM, SEM, DLS and BET detected spherical, polydispersed Ag-nano particles with size ranged within 10–12\xa0nm. XRD results demonstrated the formation of well crystallized and smaller nano particles. Furthermore, the synthesized AgNPs exhibited strong photo catalytic activity on degradation of Congo red dye due to high energy and the smaller particles.