Green synthesis of Ag@AgCl/Elaeagnus angustifolia seed nanocomposite using Elaeagnus angustifolia leaves: an amazing nanophotocatalyst with highly photocatalytic activity under sunlight irradiation.

In this investigation, Ag@AgCl nanoparticles were synthesized by a green and inexpensive method using Elaeagnus angustifolia leaves, as a reducing and stabilizing agent without using any toxic solvent, external halide source, harsh chemicals, or capping agents. In this protocol, the nanophotocatalyst was synthesized via immobilization of Ag@AgCl NPs on the surface of biowaste Elaeagnus angustifolia seed (EAS) as a green support, which prevents the agglomeration Ag@AgCl NPs and improves the catalytic activity. The biosynthesized nanophotocatalyst were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and transform electron microscopy (TEM) and inductively couple plasma mass spectrometry (ICP). In order to investigate the photocatalytic activity of the biosynthesized nanophotocatalyst, it was used in the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under sunlight. The results showed that nanophotocatalyst had an excellent photo activity without any agglomeration. In addition, the nanophotocatalyst can be easily be recycled and reused several times without losing its activity. Graphical abstract.