Design of a MgO@EDTA@Ag nanocatalyst for sustainable synthesis of xanthene and rhodamine B degradation

Abstract

The development of efficient and sustainable catalysts is crucial for advancing green chemical processes and environmental remediation. In this study, a MgO@EDTA@Ag nanocomposite was synthesized and utilized as a multifunctional, heterogeneous catalyst for the environmentally sustainable synthesis of xanthene derivatives and the catalytic degradation of rhodamine B dye, both of which hold significant pharmaceutical and environmental relevance. EDTA immobilization enhanced surface coordination for Ag anchoring and promoted electron transfer and reactive species generation. The catalyst was characterised using techniques like XRD, XPS, FESEM, TEM, FTIR, EDAX, TGA, N₂ adsorption–desorption and BET analysis, confirming its structural integrity, morphology, thermal stability, and high surface area. The nanocomposite exhibited excellent catalytic efficiency, supported by favourable green chemistry metrics including an E-factor of 0.23, process mass intensity (PMI) of 1.23, reaction mass efficiency (RME) of 90.06%, and carbon efficiency (CE) of 90%. Its reusability and environmental compatibility further emphasize its potential for sustainable applications in chemical synthesis and wastewater treatment. In the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B dye, the catalyst achieved an excellent 96% degradation within one hour by using 0.02 mg nanocatalyst in 2 mL dye solution.