Plant extracts-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles for the reduction of organic dyes

Routes to catalytically active silver nanoparticles using plant extracts is a topical subject. The extracts usually of common plants have been shown to act as both reducing and stabilizing agents eliminating the need for additional reagents. These routes are exceedingly simple, environmentally benign and low cost. There is no need for cell cultures or maintenance of cell lines. Some biological materials are also capable of supporting catalytic metal nanoparticles. Recent progress in establishing plant extract based synthetic routes and progress in investigating catalytic activity, particularly with respect to remediation of waste water contaminated with azo dyes is appraised in this chapter.