Green synthesis of nanoparticles: prospect for sustainable efficient photocatalytic dye degradation

Abstract Advancement in technology and the industrial sector has led to major pollution concerns all over the world. In many industries. for example. pharmaceutical, rubber, textile, and other dyes are used, which is a major cause of pollution. Tons of dyes are released into the environment yearly and this leads to water pollution. Various physical, chemical, and biological methods have been utilized for dye degradation but these methods are not economical and environmentally friendly. Metallic nanoparticles are of great importance as they have a range of applications in different fields, which also includes catalysis. Thus, nanoparticles are now being utilized for photocatalytic degradation of toxic dyes. Nanoparticle synthesis can be done by chemical and physical methods, but the green synthesis of nanoparticles has gained much importance as this method is ecofriendly and less toxic. Various plant parts or plant wastes have been utilized for nanoparticle synthesis. These materials are not costly and are easily available. Different nanoparticles such as Au, Ag, Pd, ZnO, TiO2, Pt, and others have been used for photocatalytic degradation. This chapter will focus on the green biosynthesis of nanoparticles and their role in photocatalytic dye degradation.