Photocatalytic activity of Ag nanoparticles synthesized by using Piper pedicellatum C.DC fruits

Synthesis of Ag nanoparticles by using Piper pedicellatum C.DC fruits extract in aqueous medium is reported. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis shows that the Ag nanoparticles predominantly formed spherical in shape. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows face center cubic lattice plane for Ag nanoparticles. Photocatalytic activity of the Ag nanoparticles was investigated by degradation of Methyl red (MR) dye under UV light. The rate constant of photocatalytic degradation of MR was investigated. The results show that Ag nanoparticles have suitable photocatalytic activity for the degradation of MR dye. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.