Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) shell biomass for synthesis of silver nanocatalyst

This article describes a new approach for synthesis of silver nanostructured particles by using a Sacha inchi shell biomass (SISB). Sacha inchi shell biomass should be considered as an important source of phytochemicals for the synthesis and stabilization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The characterization of AgNPs was performed by UV-vis spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy and Selected Area Electron Diffraction, indicating that AgNps were synthesized successfully with an average size of 7.2 nm. Infrared spectrum measurements were carried out to hypothesize the possible biomolecules responsible for stabilization and capping of the silver nanoparticles. Then, AgNps were used as a catalyst in the presence of sunlight for the removal of methyl orange dye (MO, anionic dye) from aqueous solution. The results implied AgNps to be effective photocatalyst for the decomposition of MO (∼60%, pH 2.0) from aqueous solution.