Phyto-synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Mussaenda erythrophylla leaf extract and their application in catalytic degradation of methyl orange dye

Nanotechnology has played a definitive role in defending the environment-related issues. The prime reason for this claim is that nanotechnology sowed the seeds for the green synthesis of nanoparticles, rather than using noxious and persistent chemicals, thus leading to the eradication of biological risks. A plethora of plant-mediated metal nanoparticle (especially, silver) synthesis has been carried out and is still successfully continuing, because of its simple approach, instant synthesis mechanism, long-term stability and eco-friendly nature. The current article accounts for an environmentally safe method for silver nanocatalyst synthesis using the leaf extract of Mussaenda erythrophylla, for the first time. The UV–visible absorption spectrum of the silver nanoparticle solution displayed a distinct peak at 414 nm. As identified by FTIR spectroscopy, the leaf extract acts as a source of a variety of phytochemicals and are primarily responsible for reduction to zero-valent silver. The nanoparticles were further characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled to energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS). Analysis using SEM confirmed the formation sub-100 nm sized particles and EDAX proved the existence of elemental silver in the sample. XRD analysis established the crystalline nature – face-centred cubic – of the nanoparticles. The zeta potential value of − 47.7 mV, defines the good stability of the silver nanoparticle solution. The article highlights the degradation of the azo dye, methyl orange, using silver nanoparticles as a promising catalytic agent and sodium borohydride as a reductant.