Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Artemisia vulgaris Extract and Its Application toward Catalytic and Metal-Sensing Activity

Nonessential heavy metals are toxic to human health. In this study, mercury, a hazardous metal, was detected by colorimetric analysis using Artemisia vulgaris-mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNP) without any modification in an aqueous solution. The UV–vis spectroscopy showed characteristic SPR band of Ag0 at 418 nm, indicating the formation AgNPs. AgNPs were crystalline, with average size 7 as calculated from XRD data. SEM images revealed spherical and polycrystalline within agglomerated form. FTIR spectra elucidated functional group extract attached Ag0. broad, strong peak 3632 cm−1 indicated involvement -OH compounds reducing ions. EDX around 3 keV confirmed nanostructure. A method employed for metal sensing medium suspension. obtained found be selective highly sensitive toward Hg2+ suspension turned colorless after adding 380 µL 1 mM Hg2+. synthesized catalytic activity on reduction 4-nitrophenol presence NaBH4 8 min rate constant 1.21 × 10−2 s−1. outcome these findings suggests that application vulgaris influenced green catalysis.