LAUSR

Abstract This study reports a green method for the synthesis of Gold@Silver@Silver chloride (Au@Ag@AgCl) core–double shells nanoparticles (NPs) using Momordica charantia leaves extract. The formation of core–double shells structure was confirmed by TEM image and further it was supported by elemental mapping and EDX line profile analysis. In this method, the NPs were synthesized without using any toxic reagents and external halide. The phytochemicals present in the leaves extract were responsible for the formation of the NPs. The photodegradation of pharmaceutical active compounds, such as clofibric acid (CA) and ibuprofen (IBP) in aqueous solution was also investigated by Au@Ag@AgCl nanoparticles as a photocatalyst under solar irradiation. The catalyst dose was varied from 0.01 to 0.1 g/L and 0.07 g was found as an optimum amount of catalyst. The plausible degradation mechanisms, reaction kinetics and photolysis products of IBP and CA under solar irradiation were also reported in this study. To the best knowledge of the authors, it was for the first time, we report the synthesis of Au@Ag@AgCl (core–double shells) using Momordica charantia leaves extract. The reduction of 2,4,6-trinitro phenol (2,4,6-TNP) was also investigated using Au@Ag@AgCl as a catalyst. The study indicated that a total of 97.5% of 2,4,6-TNP was reduced. It was observed that 97% of IBP and 98% of CA were degraded using Au@Ag@AgCl nanoparticles as a catalyst. The reactive species, such as O 2 − and Cl 0 were mainly responsible for the photodegradation of IBP and CA under solar irradiation.