Ecofriendly synthesis of PdNPs using Eupatorium adenophorum leaf extract and their catalytic properties

This study reported the synthesis of well-dispersed palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) using microwaves. Additionally, this method is quick, cheap, chemical-free, and environmentally friendly. The Eupatorium adenophorum aqueous extract, which contains polysaccharides and other phytochemicals, effectively reduced and stabilized PdNPs. We have preliminarily confirmed that PdNPs form via UV–visible spectroscopy and proposed a mechanism of PdNPs formation via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. EA-PdNPs have a face-centred cubic structure, as confirmed by XRD analysis. The images obtained by transmission electron microscopy showed spherical PdNPs whose average size was 11 ± 2 nm. EA-PdNPs showed good catalytic activity towards the reduction of methylene blue (MB), congo red (CR) dyes, and 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). It was found that EA-PdNPs showed a reduction efficiency of 94% against MB, CR, and 4-NP dyes even after five cycles. EA-PdNPs are anticipated to contribute to environmental water remediation significantly.

Schematic representation of the synthesis of EA-PdNPs and their catalytic applications