Photocatalytic Activity Induced by Metal Nanoparticles Synthesized by Sustainable Approaches: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Nanotechnology is a fast-expanding area with a wide range of applications in science, engineering, health, pharmacy, and other fields. Among many techniques that are employed toward the production of nanoparticles, synthesis using green technologies is the simplest and environment friendly. Nanoparticles produced from plant extracts have become a very popular subject of study in recent decades due to their diverse advantages such as low-cost synthesis, product stability, and ecofriendly protocols. These merits have prompted the development of nanoparticles from a variety of sources, including bacteria, fungi, algae, proteins, enzymes, etc., allowing for large-scale production with minimal contamination. However, nanoparticles obtained from plant extracts and phytochemicals exhibit greater reduction and stabilization and hence have proven the diversity of properties, like catalyst/photocatalyst, magnetic, antibacterial, cytotoxicity, circulating tumor deoxy ribo nucleic acid (CT-DNA) binding, gas sensing, etc. In the current scenario, nanoparticles can also play a critical role in cleaning wastewater and making it viable for a variety of operations. Nano-sized photocatalysts have a great scope toward the removal of large pollutants like organic dyes, heavy metals, and pesticides in an eco-friendly and sustainable manner from industrial effluents. Thus, in this review article, we discuss the synthesis of several metal nanoparticles using diverse plant extracts, as well as their characterization via techniques like UV–vis (ultraviolet–visible), XRD (X-ray diffraction), SEM (scanning electron microscopy), TEM (transmission electron microscopy), FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), etc., and catalytic activity on various hazardous systems.

From E-Waste to High-Value Materials: Sustainable Synthesis of Metal, Metal Oxide, and MOF Nanoparticles from Waste Printed Circuit Boards

“…Photocatalysis is becoming increasingly prominent in the field of pollutant degradation and the inactivation of microorganisms. An ideal photocatalyst should exhibit stability, affordability, non-toxicity, and notably, high photoactivity [ 123 ].…”

Photocatalytic and Antimicrobial Properties of ZnO and Mg-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Lupinus albus Leaf Extract

“…The discharge of dyes from the textile and paper industries is widely recognized for its high toxicity and carcinogenic properties, thus presenting a substantial environmental hazard. Despite the extensive research and development efforts focused on enhancing dye treatment methods, the cost-effective removal of dyes from wastewater remains a formidable obstacle. , Therefore, the development of treatment technologies that are both economically viable and ecologically sustainable is of the utmost significance. Recently, there has been notable emphasis on nanoparticles (NPs) in the field of photocatalytic application.…”

Synthesis, Characterization, and Photocatalytic Activity of Cu-Doped MgO Nanoparticles on Degradation of Methyl Orange (MO)

“…In green synthesis, metal nitrate acts as an oxidizing agent and phytochemicals present in plant extracts act as a reducing and stabilizing agents for the synthesis of nanoparticles. Currently, plant-based synthesis is considered as the best alternative due to its stability and higher nanoparticle production rate [15].…”