Biofabricated Silver Nanoparticles and Nanocomposites as Green Catalyst to Mitigate Dye Pollution in Water-A Review

Synthetic dyes are one of the major classes of pollutant released in the environment by industries such as textile, paper, leather, rubber, cosmetics, pharmaceutical etc. They are known carcinogen and extremely hazardous to human, plant and aquatic life. Conventional chemical, physical and biological methods used for treatment of industrial effluent are costly, time-consuming and produces secondary waste. Silver nanoparticle and nanocomposite-based catalyst are very effective in decomposition of dyes due to their high surface area-to-volume ratio, stability and biocompatibility. The degradation reaction takes place in presence of light (photocatalytic) or in presence of a reagent such as NaBH4 or H2O2.Of various methods of silver nanoparticle/nanocomposite synthesis, green synthesis has been quite popular in recent times due to ease in synthesis and sustainability factor. In this review, current state of knowledge about application of green synthesized silver nanoparticles /nanocomposites in degradation of synthetic dyes and other organic pollutant have been summarized. Moreover, the article also emphasizes on the mechanism of degradation, the kinetic parameters and optimum treatment conditions.

Automated summary

Synthetic dyes are a major class of pollutants released into the environment by industries, posing significant hazards to human, plant and aquatic life. Conventional methods for treating industrial effluents are costly and time-consuming, highlighting the importance of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles and nanocomposite catalysts for dye degradation.