Biopolymer-assisted synthesis of Ag–Cd nanoparticles on chitosan matrix for catalytic removal of cationic dyes from water

Metal nanoparticles are being used for different applications especially for the removal of toxic pollutants from different environmental segments. In this study, chitosan supported AgCdO nanoparticles have been prepared for the removal of toxic dyes from aqueous medium. Chitosan supported AgCdO nanoparticles (AgCdO-BMNPs@Ch) were synthesized and characterized using different techniques including UV/Vis, FT-IR, XRD and SEM to assess their formation as well as morphology. Crystallite size of bimetallic nanoparticles and composite was found to be 42.15 nm and 38.23 nm respectively. Particle size of nanoparticles as well as composite was also calculated using SEM images and flower Dahlia-like morphology of AgCdO nanoparticles was observed while the composite displayed colonies. In addition, the samples were than studied for catalytic degradation of cationic dyes Malachite green, Rhodamine-B and Methylene blue (MG, Rh-B and MB). Removal of the dyes via catalytic degradation using synthesized samples was recorded up to 91.62 %, 92.42 %, 96.16 % for RhB, MG and MB respectively. Performance of samples was also tested under different conditions and their recyclability was also evaluated. On the basis of current study, authors recommend the preparation of biopolymer supported bimetallic nanoparticles to improve their stability as well as efficiency.