Silver Nanoparticles formation through plants extracts|Ag Green synthesis and characterization|

Introduction

This tutorial focuses on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using plant extracts. Silver nanoparticles have various applications in medicine, electronics, and environmental science. This method is eco-friendly, utilizing natural resources to create silver nanoparticles without harmful chemicals.

Step 1: Prepare the Plant Extract

To begin the synthesis process, you need to prepare a plant extract. Here’s how to do it:

1. Select the Plant Material

   • Choose a suitable plant known for its reducing properties (e.g., eucalyptus, neem, or ginger).

2. Collect and Clean the Plant Material

   • Gather fresh leaves or parts of the plant and rinse them thoroughly to remove dirt and contaminants.

3. Extract the Plant Material

   • Chop the cleaned plant material into small pieces.
   • Boil the pieces in distilled water for 10-15 minutes.
   • Allow the mixture to cool, then filter it using a fine mesh or cheesecloth to obtain the clear plant extract.

Step 2: Prepare Silver Nitrate Solution

Next, you will create a solution of silver nitrate, which is essential for forming silver nanoparticles.

1. Gather Materials

   • Silver nitrate (AgNO3)
   • Distilled water

2. Prepare the Solution

   • Dissolve 0.01 to 0.1 grams of silver nitrate in 100 mL of distilled water.
   • Stir the solution gently until the silver nitrate is completely dissolved.

Step 3: Combine Extract with Silver Nitrate Solution

Now, you will combine the plant extract with the silver nitrate solution to initiate the reduction reaction.

1. Mix Solutions

   • Slowly add the prepared plant extract to the silver nitrate solution.
   • Use a ratio of about 1:10 (extract to silver nitrate solution) for optimal results.

2. Stir the Mixture

   • Stir the combined solution continuously for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
   • Observe any color changes; a change to a brownish color indicates the formation of silver nanoparticles.

Step 4: Characterize the Silver Nanoparticles

Characterization helps confirm the synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their properties.

1. Spectroscopic Analysis

   • Use UV-Vis spectroscopy to measure the absorption spectrum of the solution.
   • Peaks around 420 nm typically indicate the presence of silver nanoparticles.

2. Additional Characterization Techniques

   • Consider using techniques such as Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) or Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to visualize the nanoparticles and assess their size and shape.

Practical Tips

• Ensure all glassware and equipment are clean to prevent contamination.
• Work in a well-ventilated area and consider wearing gloves and goggles for safety.
• Store any leftover plant extract in a cool place to maintain its reducing properties.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you learned how to synthesize silver nanoparticles using plant extracts through a green chemistry approach. This method is environmentally friendly and straightforward, making it accessible for various applications. For further exploration, consider experimenting with different plant extracts or modifying the concentration of silver nitrate to see how it affects nanoparticle formation. Happy synthesizing!