Photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B and methylene blue using novel Spinacia oleracea-based Ag nanoparticles: experimental and theoretical analysis

Eco-friendly synthesis of metallic nanostructures engrossed significant attention around the globe due to novelty in their physical characteristics. In this study, Spinacia oleracea extract was utilized as biogenic entity to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs). A range of analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and UV-visible spectroscopy has been employed to characterize the synthesized Ag-NPs. In addition, the photocatalytic removal of rhodamine B (RhB) and methylene blue (MB) was also investigated for synthesized nanomaterials. It is observed that RhB and MB degraded 84% and 86%, respectively. Moreover, Scavenger and reusability experiments conducted to investigate the active radicals in photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants and photo-stability of synthesized material. On the other hand, the simulation has been carried out employing COMOSL Multiphysics RF module (5.3a) to correlate the experimental photocatalytic results with theoretical which well agreement to each other. This simulation helps us to explore the underlying science for better understanding.

Automated summary

In this study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized using Spinacia oleracea extract as the biogenic entity. The synthesized Ag-NPs were characterized using various analytical techniques, and their photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants was investigated. The simulation results also correlated well with the experimental findings, providing a better understanding of the underlying science.