Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Lagerstroemia speciosa fruit extract: catalytic efficiency in dye degradation

We present an eco-friendly method to synthesize silver nanoparticles (SNPs) using Lagerstroemia speciosa fruit extract. The SNPs were spherical, 61.12 nm in size, and showed a face-centred cubic structure with a strong XRD peak at 38.79°. UV-vis analysis showed a peak at 423 nm, confirming silver formation. A zeta potential of −10.9 mV indicated good stability. FTIR confirmed biomolecules’ role in synthesis and stability. These green SNPs efficiently degraded Rhodamine B and Malachite Green dyes with rate constants of 0.2193 min⁻¹ and 0.3636 min⁻¹, respectively, showing their potential as catalysts for treating dye-contaminated water. This green synthesis strategy offers a low-cost and sustainable solution for environmental cleanup and industrial wastewater treatment.