Bio-Inspired Synthesis of Luminescent AgNPs Using Groundnut Oil Cake Extract for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Orange II Dye

Abstract

The development of bio-fabrication techniques for nanoparticles has gained significant attention due to their cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and prospective for environmental applications. In this research, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were successfully fabricated using groundnut oil cake (GOC) extract as a reducing agent. The bioactive compounds in GOC, such as phenolic acids and flavonoids, played a crucial role in reducing silver nitrate into stable AgNPs in an aqueous solution. The use of GOC extract as a green reducing agent highlights the eco-friendly nature of the synthesis process. UV–visible spectroscopy confirmed the successful fabrication of AgNPs. The synthesis process was most efficient at a neutral pH of 7. The structural and morphological characteristics of the AgNPs were examined using advanced characterization methods such as EDS, TEM, FTIR, and XRD. TEM analysis revealed that the AgNPs ranged in size from 14 to 50 nm on average. The green-synthesized AgNPs showed outstanding photocatalytic performance, degrading 99.3% of Orange II dye in 120 min under visible light. Their spherical shape enhances charge separation and photocatalytic efficiency. The eco-friendly and cost-effective synthesis approach using GOC extract emphasizes the potential of these AgNPs for sustainable water purification and environmental remediation.