access icon free Catalytic degradation of methylene blue by biosynthesised copper nanoflowers using F. benghalensis leaf extract

This study reports the unprecedented, novel and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of three-dimensional (3D) copper nanostructure having flower like morphology using leaf extract of Ficus benghalensis. The catalytic activity of copper nanoflowers (CuNFs) was investigated against methylene blue (MB) used as a modal dye pollutant. Scanning electron micrograph evidently designated 3D appearance of nanoflowers within a size range from 250 nm to 2.5 μm. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectra showed the presence of copper elements in the nanoflowers. Fourier-transform infrared spectra clearly demonstrated the presence of biomolecules which is responsible for the synthesis of CuNFs. The catalytic activity of the synthesised CuNFs was monitored by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. The MB was degraded by 72% in 85 min on addition of CuNFs and the rate constant (k) was found to be 0.77 × 10−3 s−1. This method adapted for synthesis of CuNFs offers a valuable contribution in the area of nanomaterial synthesis and in water research by suggesting a sustainable and an alternative route for removal of toxic solvents and waste materials.

Inspec keywords: visible spectra; dyes; X-ray chemical analysis; scanning electron microscopy; copper; catalysis; Fourier transform infrared spectra; nanofabrication; molecular biophysics; nanostructured materials; ultraviolet spectra

Other keywords: Ficus benghalensis leaf extract; copper elements; F. benghalensis leaf extract; biosynthesised copper nanoflowers; 3D copper nanostructure synthesis; waste materials; Cu; electron micrograph; biomolecules; ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy; three-dimensional copper nanostructure synthesis; modal dye pollutant; energy-dispersive X-ray spectra; methylene blue; 3D appearance; flower like morphology; catalytic degradation; Fourier-transform infrared spectra; size 250 nm to 2.5 mum; toxic solvent removal

Subjects: Molecular biophysics; Electromagnetic radiation spectrometry (chemical analysis); Heterogeneous catalysis at surfaces and other surface reactions; Other methods of nanofabrication; Infrared and Raman spectra in organic crystals; Visible and ultraviolet spectra of other nonmetals; Structure of solid clusters, nanoparticles, nanotubes and nanostructured materials

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http://iet.metastore.ingenta.com/content/journals/10.1049/iet-nbt.2015.0098
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