Green synthesis of magnetic silver nanocomposite: the photocatalytic performance of nanocomposite to decolorize organic dyes.

The magnetite-silver nanocomposites (Fe₃O₄-Ag NCs) were synthesized via a facile and green process by Citrus sinensis peel extract. The deposition of silver nanoparticles (NPs) was confirmed by observing an absorption peak at the maximum wavelength at 422 nm in the suspension solution of samples, which is related to silver surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The characteristic diffraction patterns of Fe₃O₄ and Ag phases were characterized utilizing the XRD patterns and the average size of the crystals was 21 nm. The photocatalytic behavior of Fe₃O₄-Ag NCs was studied for the destruction of three organic dyes methyl green (MG), methyl orange (MO), and methylene blue (MB) below UV radiation. The effect of the amount of photocatalyst and volume of hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant in the process of dye degradation was also investigated. The complete degradation time of dyes MB, MG, and MO under UV irradiation in the presence of 0.002 g Fe₃O₄-Ag NCs were 57, 33, and 49 min, respectively. The time of degradation reactions showed the high photocatalytic performance of Fe₃O₄-Ag NCs. These results proved that the synergistic effect of magnetite in the role of supporting the silver NPs was a significant contribution to the excellent decolorization behavior of Fe₃O₄-Ag NCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]