Synergistic eminently active catalytic and recyclable Ag, Cu and Ag-Cu alloy nanoparticles supported on TiO2 for sustainable and cleaner environmental applications: A phytogenic mediated synthesis

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production 2018-03, Vol.177, p.134-143
• Main Authors: Saran, S., Manjari, G., Devipriya, Suja P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ag/TiO2; Cu/TiO2 and Ag-Cu/TiO2 nanocomposite; Green synthesis; Heterogeneous catalysis; Walsura trifoliata
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.12.181

Ag-Cu monometallic and bimetallic nanoparticles were prepared directly using aqueous extract of Walsura trifoliata supported on TiO2. The extract helps in the in situ immobilization of Ag, Cu and Ag-Cu alloy nanoparticles with face-centered cubic structure using phytochemical compounds as template and reducing agent at ambient conditions. The aqueous extract of W. trifoliata flower acts as reducing, binding, dispersion agent and plays a major role in the synthesis of the nanocomposites which was confirmed using GC-MS. The nanocomposite were characterized using UV–Vis, FTIR, XRD, TEM, SAED, EDS, and Raman Spectra techniques. The efficiency of prepared nanocomposite on the catalytic activity for the reduction and degradation of 4-Nitrophenol (4-NP), Methyl orange (MO), and Rhodamine B (Rh B) with sodium borohydride (NaBH4) were investigated in detail. The Ag-Cu/TiO2 bimetal nanocomposite exhibit very high activity for the degradation of dyes, confirmed using UV–Vis and HPLC analysis. In addition, Ag/TiO2, Cu/TiO2 and Ag-Cu/TiO2 nanocomposites exhibit good reusability with 100% conversion efficiency of 4-NP, MO and Rh B up to 6 successive cycles. The phytogenic mediated synthesis of metal nanocatalyst supported on TiO2 makes it an ideal platform for heterogeneous catalytic process and for potential application in a wide range of fields. [Display omitted] •Phytogenic synthesis methods applied for immobilization of Ag, Cu and Ag-Cu alloy on TiO2.•Phytogenic synthesis promotes the formation of reduced metal nanoparticles on TiO2.•Ag-Cu/TiO2 shown eminently active catalytic on organic pollutants degradation in few seconds.•High recyclability and reuse of catalyst.