This study reports a one-pot and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of spherical ibuprofen derived silver nanoparticles (IBU-AgNPs) in aqueous media using ibuprofen analgesics drug as capping as well as reducing agent. Formation of AgNPs occurred within a few min (less than 5 min) at room temperature without resorting to any harsh conditions and hazardous organic solvents. Synthesized AgNPs were characterized with common analytical techniques. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images confirmed the formation of spherical particles having a size distribution in the range of 12.5 ± 1.5 nm. Employment of IBU analgesic aided the control of better size distribution and prevented agglomeration of particles. Such AgNPs solution was highly stable for more than two months when stored at ambient temperature. The IBU-AgNPs solution showed excellent ultra-rapid catalytic activity for the complete degradation of toxic 4-nitrophenol (4-NPh) into non-toxic 4-aminophenol (4-APh) within 40 s. AgNPs were recovered with the help of water insoluble-room temperature ionic liquid and reused with enhanced catalytic potential. This method provides a novel, rapid and economical alternative for the treatment of toxic organic pollutants to maintain water quality and environmental safety against water pollution. It is extendable for the control of other reducible contaminants in water as well. Furthermore, this catalytic activity for an effective degradation of organic toxins is expected to play a crucial role for achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 6 set by United Nations.

这项研究报告了一种单锅环保方法，该方法使用布洛芬镇痛药作为封端剂和还原剂，在水性介质中合成球形布洛芬衍生的银纳米颗粒（IBU-AgNPs）。AgNP的形成发生在室温下几分钟（少于5分钟）之内，而没有使用任何苛刻的条件和危险的有机溶剂。合成的AgNPs用常见的分析技术进行表征。透射电子显微镜（TEM）图像证实形成了尺寸为12.5±1.5 nm范围内的球形颗粒。使用IBU镇痛药有助于控制更好的粒径分布，并防止颗粒团聚。当在环境温度下储存时，这种AgNPs溶液具有两个月以上的高度稳定性。IBU-AgNPs溶液显示出优异的超快催化活性，可在40 s内将有毒的4-硝基苯酚（4-NPh）完全降解为无毒的4-氨基苯酚（4-APh）。在水不溶性室温离子液体的帮助下回收了AgNPs，并以增强的催化潜力进行了再利用。该方法为处理有毒有机污染物以维持水质和防止水污染的环境安全提供了一种新颖，快速且经济的选择。它也可扩展用于控制水中的其他可还原污染物。此外，这种有效降解有机毒素的催化活性预计将对实现联合国设定的可持续发展目标6发挥关键作用。