Affordable and environmentally friendly method for the synthesis of a green silver nanophotocatalyst based on Mespilus germanica

Leaves of Mespilus germanica have been utilized as a green and inexpensive reducing and stabilizing agent to synthesize silver nanoparticles without using any capping agent or harsh and toxic solvents. In this protocol a silver nanophotocatalyst was synthesized by a green method via immobilization of Ag NPs on the surface of Mespilus germanica seed as a green photocatalyst. The biosynthesized nanophotocatalyst was characterized by ultraviolet–visible, Fourier-transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized silver nanocatalyst was investigated by using it for the degradation of methylene blue under sunlight. The results showed good photocatalytic activity without any agglomeration. In addition, the silver nanophotocatalyst can be recycled and reused several times in the same reaction without significant loss of activity. Graphic abstract