Photocatalytic activity of biogenic silver nanoparticles synthesized using potato (Solanum tuberosum) infusion

• Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from AgNO3 solution using potato (Solanum tuberosum) infusion.
• Silver nanoparticles were characterized using UV–Vis, XRD and FTIR.
• DLS and HRTEM study showed the average particle size (diameter) to be around 10–12 nm with nearly spherical shape.
• Photocatalytic activity was studied using methyl orange dye solution under solar irradiation.

In this study, we have reported a fast and eco-benign procedure to synthesis silver nanoparticle at room temperature using potato (Solanum tuberosum) infusion along with the study of its photocatalytic activity on methyl orange dye. After addition of potato infusion to silver nitrate solution, the color of the mixture changed indicating formation of silver nanoparticles. Time dependent UV–Vis spectra were obtained to study the rate of nanoparticle formation with time. Purity and crystallinity of the biogenic silver nanoparticles were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Average size and morphology of the nanoparticles were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to detect functional bio-molecules responsible that contribute to the reduction and capping of biosynthesized Ag nanoparticles. Further, these synthesized nanoparticles were used to investigate their ability to degrade methyl orange dye under sunlight irradiation and the results showed effective photocatalytic property of these biogenic silver nanoparticles.

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