SYNTHESIS OF METALLIC NANOPARTICLES USING PLANT LEAF EXTRACT

Abstract

Interest in the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been steadily increasing primarily due to their numerous applications in various fields, low cost, use of non-toxic environmentally-friendly materials and easy implementation. This study focused on the biosynthesis of AgNPs using unknown plant leaf extract, optimization of process conditions, and application in catalytic reduction of methylene blue dye to leucomethylene blue (colourless). AgNPs were synthesised by using silver nitrate as the precursor and plant leaf extract as a reducing and capping agent due to presence of phytochemicals (biomolecules) present like flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, amides, aldehydes, carboxylic acid, and ketones and they were characterised using a uv visible spectrophotometer. A silver nanocomposite was synthesized using an unknown support, silver nitrate solution, ultra distilled water and the plant leaf extract. The silver nanocomposite was then applied in catalytic reduction of MB to LCMB with parameters; mass of the Ag-nano composite, concentration of sodium borohydride and concentration of MB were put into consideration. A time dependent uv vis spectrophotometer analysis for the catalytic degradation of MB dye by the biosynthesized Ag-nanocomposite for 5min indicated the maximum influence of nanocomposite. The MB dye was reduced rapidly with NaBH4 in the presence of Ag-nanocomposite due to their catalytic action. The findings of the study show the potential of unknown plant leaf extract for the biosynthesis of AgNPs with excellent catalytic activity of their nanocomposites for the reduction of MB dye to LCMB.