Green synthesis of seashell supported silver nanoparticles using Bunium persicum seeds extract: Application of the particles for catalytic reduction of organic dyes.

In the present work, silver nanoparticles were immobilized on the surface of seashell using Bunium persicum seeds extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The seashell supported silver nanoparticles was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA). The diameter of Ag NPs on the seashell was predominantly found within the range 20-50nm. The catalytic performance of the prepared catalyst was investigated for reduction of 4-Nitrophenol (4-NP), Methyl Orange (MO), Congo Red (CR) and Methylene Blue (MB) at room temperature. It was found that the Ag NPs/seashell is a highly active and recyclable catalyst for related reactions and can be recovered and reused several times without significant loss of its catalytic activity.