Alhagi maurorum-based magnetic silver nanocatalyst synthesis and its function in the catalytic breakdown of malachite green

Nanotechnology has introduced an innovative approach in which nanoscale materials are synthesized through green chemical strategies by integrating with plant biotechnology. This eco-friendly, cost-effective, and novel method enables the production of plant-mediated nanoparticles that play a crucial role in the degradation and removal of environmental pollutants. In this study, we explored the degradation of malachite green dye using a magnetically recyclable silver nanocatalyst in the presence of a reducing agent (NaBH₄). Silver nanoparticles were synthesized via a simple, robust, and low-cost biochemical reduction process using the leaf broth of Alhagi maurorum, followed by magnetization with magnetic nanoparticles. The synthesized nanocatalyst was characterized using UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopy. The catalytic efficiency of the nanocatalyst was evaluated for the degradation of malachite green under UV-Vis light. Key parameters influencing dye removal, such as initial dye concentration, pH, catalyst dosage, and reducing agent concentration were systematically studied. Kinetic analysis at varying dye concentrations revealed that the degradation followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. The results demonstrated that optimal degradation occurred at pH 7, with 3 mM NaBH₄, 50 mg of catalyst, and 40 ppm of dye concentration. Additionally, the magnetic nature of the nanocatalyst enabled its easy recovery and reuse, making it a promising and sustainable solution for water purification and dye pollution mitigation.