Removal of 4-Nitrophenol and Organic Dyes from Aqueous Solution Using Ag/ZnO Nanocomposite Prepared by Euphorbia peplus L. Extract

Background & objectives: Nitroanene compounds and toxic dyes are considered major pollutants in sewage of various industries. These synthetic organic compounds are highly toxic and one of the most resistant pollutants in the environment. Developing a simple and effective method to destroy non-biodegradable pollutants into non-hazardous products is one of the major challenges in environmental studies. Methods: In this study, Ag/ZnO nanocatalyst was synthesized using Euphorbia peplus L. extract through a green and simple reduction method. The catalytic activity of the biosynthesized Ag/ZnO nanocomposite was evaluated by reducing 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and organic dyes such as Methyl orange, Congo red and Methylene blue. Results: The Euphorbia peplus L. extract was used as a reducing and stabilizing agent in green synthesis of nanocomposite. The diameter of the Ag/ZnO nanoparticles was less than 24 nm. Biosynthesized Ag/ZnO nanocatalyst demonstrated effective catalytic activity in reducing 4-nitrophenol, Methyl orange, Congo red and Methylene blue during 330, 300, 39 and 2 s in environmental conditions, respectively. Comparison of the catalytic activity in the reduction of target analytes between Ag/ZnO nanocomposite and other catalysts reported in the literature showed better performance of biosynthesized nanocatalyst. Conclusion: In this study, a simple, green, economical, non-toxic and efficient method was presented to remove biodegradation-resistant pollutants using biosynthesized Ag/ZnO nanocomposite.