Biosynthesized and chemically synthesized Ag/TiO nanocomposites: Effect of reaction parameters on synthesis using watermelon rind extract and comparative analysis.

This work synthesized Ag/TiO nanocomposite via an aqueous reduction method using a green and chemical reducing agent. (watermelon) rind extract (WMRE) and sodium borohydride (NaBH) were used as the reducing agents during green synthesis and chemical synthesis, respectively. During green synthesis, a pH of 12, a reaction time of 45 min, and an operating temperature of 100 °C yielded the best visible light activity. The biosynthesized and chemically-synthesized Ag/TiO were compared using UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive spectroscopy-scanning electron microscopy (EDS-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Synthesis using WMRE yielded spherical Ag nanoparticles modified on the surface of TiO nanoparticles. The Ag nanoparticles had enhanced monodispersity with an average diameter of 7.48  4.06 nm. Therefore, the developed WMRE green synthesis method provides a simple, less chemical-intensive, and effective alternative to chemical synthesis.