Natural saponin stabilized nano-catalyst as efficient dye-degradation catalyst

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles decorated reduced graphene oxide is a well-established nanoparticle for multifunctional applications. Herein, the aim of the work is to prepare the nanoparticles in an in situ green reduction fashion without using any external reducing agent and stabilizing agent. Thus, a new stabilizer cum reducing agent has been introduced for the first time to prepare the silver nanoparticle decorated reduced graphene oxide. The new stabilizer cum reducing agent was naturally occurring saponin which has been extracted as Brahmi leaf (Bacopa monniera) sap. The as-synthesized material has been confirmed by X-ray diffraction, UV–visible spectra and Raman spectra. The surface chemical features have been confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Transmission electron micrograph revealed distinct nanoparticles abound range of 12-35 nm over reduced graphene oxide basal plane. The synthesized nanoparticles have been tested for dual applications, i.e., solid state catalytic activity and bactericidal activity.