Abstract
The synthesis of Vigna radiata (VR) infused CuAg NPs (CuAg/VR), is discussed here for various applications. The CuAg/VR nanoparticles was synthesized by treating the VR impregnated Cu(II) and Ag(I) with NaBH4 in aqueous medium. The CuAg/VR was characterized through FESEM, EDS, XRD, FTIR and TGA analysis. The catalyst was applied for the reduction/degradation of eight model pollutants i.e. nitrophenol isomers 2/3/4 nitrophenols (2/3/4NP), 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-dnip), Congo red dye (CR), methyl orange (MO), methylene Blue (MB), and rhodhamine B (RB). The highest rate constant k(app) based on pseudo-1st order kinetics was recorded for 4-nirophenol (4NP) among the others which is 2.8 x 10(-1) min(-1) with turn over frequency (TOF) of 0.056 h(-1) for 4NP. The order of nitrophenols reactivity is 2NP > 3NP > 4NP which are explained on the basis of inductive effect. Among all the nitrophenols and dyes the highest k(app) was recorded for RB which is 8.1 x 10(-1) min(-1). Similarly, simultaneous removal of MB and RB dyes indicated 98% removal of MB and 9% removal of RB dye which shows the selective discoloration of MB dye. At 75 ng/mL the zone of inhibition of CuAg/VR against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), was found 26 mm.