Eco-friendly synthesis of AgNPs using Verbascum thapsus extract and its photocatalytic activity

Abstract

A facile eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Verbascum thapsus (V. thapsus) flower extract as reducing as well as stabilizing agent is reported. The morphology of the synthesized Ag-NPs was spherical when examined with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). UV spectral analysis showed surface plasmon bands around 412 nm, with increased intensity and peak narrowing as the reaction time increased from 15 to 120 min. FTIR studies revealed the presence of bioactive functional groups which acted as capping and stabilizing agents of the nanoparticles. The AgNPs exhibited excellent catalytic activity towards the photodegradation of nitrobenzene. The percentage degradation studied for 20 and 48 h reaction time, using 120 mg/L and 1200 mg/L nitrobenzene was estimated to be 79.5% and 87.5% respectively.