Biosynthesis of Ag Nanoparticles at Ziziphus Jujuba Kernel Substrate using Tilia platyphyllos Extract: Catalytic Activity for Reduction of Organic Dyes

For the first time the extract of the plant of Tilia platyphyllos was used to green synthesis of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) supported on Ziziphus jujuba kernel as an environmentally benign support. Ag NPs/ Ziziphus jujuba kernelas an effective catalyst was prepared through reduction of Ag+ions using Tilia platyphyllos extractas the reducing and capping agent and Ag NPs immobilization on Ziziphus jujuba kernel surface in the absence of any stabilizer or surfactant. According to FT-IR analysis, the hydroxyl groups of phenolics in Tilia platyphyllos extract as bioreductant agents are directly responsible for the reduction of Ag+ions and formation of Ag NPs. The as-prepared catalyst was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and UV-Vis spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Elemental mapping, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and transmittance electron microscopy (TEM). The synthesized catalyst was used in the reduction of Congo Red (CR), and Methyl Orange (MO) at room temperature.The Ag NPs/Ziziphus jujuba kernel showed excellent catalytic activity in the reduction of these organic dyes. In addition, it was found that Ag NPs/Ziziphus jujuba kernelcan be recovered and reused several times without significant loss of catalytic activity.