Synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles supported on Bivalve mollusk shell for catalytic degradation of commercial dyes

The green synthesis, physicochemical characterization, and catalytic application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)Bivalve mollusk shell (MS) composites (AgNPs/ExLG-MS) using a natural aqueous extract of Gardenia jasminoides fresh leaves (ExLG) as a reducing-stabilizing agent (RSa), are reported for the first time. The AgNPs were synthesized in situ at the MS surface (AgNPs/ExLG-MS), and the composites morphological characteristics were determined by FTIR-ATR, Raman spectroscopy, FE-SEM-EDS, XRD, TGA, and TEM. The obtained results showed that the AgNPs supported on the MS, are spherical with an interval diameter of 2-29 nm, also, the composites have approximately 0.51 % of AgNPs deposit into the MS surface. The AgNPs/ExLG-MS composites were used in the catalytic degradation of over-the-counter toxic commercial dyes sold in Mexico; obtaining degradation efficiencies of 100 % for blue dye and 96 % for green dye, in one minute reaction time. The AgNPs suffer an oxidative dissolution process, leading to less dye degradation when the reaction systems are stirred and exposed to sunlight.