Green Synthesis of Silver – Soil Nanocomposite from Two Different Sources and Its Application for the Removal of Dye Solution

Abstract

In this paper a comparative study had been performed by green synthesis of silver nanocomposites using neem leaf extract (Azadirachta indica) and basil leaf extract (Ocimum sanctum). The green synthesis of silver nanocomposites (soil-AgNP) was used since it is efficient as well as cost effective. The nanocomposites were characterized by color change, UV-VIS Spectroscopy, XRD (X-Ray Diffraction Analysis), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopic Analysis), FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic Analysis) and TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopic Analysis). Change in the color of the solution of leaf extract and silver nitrate to dark brown corresponds to the Plasmon absorbance of the silver nanoparticles. The SEM, TEM and FTIR studies also confirmed the formation of silver nanocomposites. Various experiments were carried out by varying the properties like adsorbent dose, time, temperature, shaker speed, pH and concentration. Adsorption isotherms, thermodynamics and kinetics were also evaluated. It was noticed that the silver nanocomposite from basil leaf was providing around 98% removal of Gentian Violet dye which was relatively higher than both neem leaf composite as well as soil.