WITHDRAWN: Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Actinidia deliciosa peels extract: Optimization, characterization, and catalytic activity for methylene blue dye degradation

Abstract

The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was successfully achieved using Actinidia deliciosa (kiwifruit) peels aqueous extract as a bioreducing agent under optimized synthesis conditions. TEM and SEM images revealed quasi-spherical monodisperse nanoparticles 25 nm in diameter. The hydrodynamic diameter of the nanoparticles was 106 nm as determined by DLS, and the highly negative ζ-potential (-34 mV) supported its superior colloidal stability. EDX confirmed that silver is a major constituent of the nanoparticles. XRD diffractograms confirmed the crystallinity of the nanoparticles and its face-centered cubic (fcc) lattice structure. The functional groups in the plant’s phytochemicals facilitating the reduction of Ag+ ions and stabilizing the formed AgNPs were identified using FTIR. Phytochemical analysis by colorimetric assays revealed that the kiwifruit peel extract was rich in phenolic compounds. The biosynthesized AgNPs induced instant discoloration of the methylene blue dye with 1.6 mg of nanoparticles used. The degradation reaction followed second order kinetics.