Ashu Jain
Centre for Rural Development and Technology, India
Title: Synthesizing spherical Silver nanoparticles of uniform size using Azadirachta Indica leaf extract
Biography
Biography: Ashu Jain
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: Silver nanoparticles (SNP) synthesized using a variety of plant extracts have been widely reported. Phytochemicals present within the extract act as reducing agents and capping agents for SNP formed by reduction of Ag cations from AgNO3 to Ag atoms. Inspite of the synthesis being energy efficient, low cost, easy and environmentally benign-without use of toxic chemicals; it has not been commercially adopted so far because the SNP synthesized using plant extracts are of varying sizes and shapes. The properties of nanoparticles are highly shape and size specific; which implies that commercial applicability of a synthesis process depends on its ability to synthesize nanoparticles of uniform shape and size. The vast applicability of SNP various fields such as biomedical applications, catalysis, sensors, electronics, energy justifies optimization of their green synthesis keeping in view the environmental concerns.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Synthesis of SNP using Azadirachta Indica leaf extract was done by reacting AgNO3 solution of known concentration with leaf extract prepared boiling finely chopped fresh leaves in water. The synthesis has been carried out at room temperature at pH of 12. The SNP synthesis was monitored using UV absorbance spectra and TEM imaging and DLS were used for characterizing shape and size.
Findings: The reduction reaction is extremely fast under the optimized conditions. The conversion of Ag cations to Ag atoms is almost 100% resulting in a high yield of SNP. The SNP synthesized by this method are spherical, of a narrow size range and highly stable.
Conclusion & Significance: Uniformity in shape and size of the green-synthesized spherical SNP holds promise for their commercial application. We however need to work towards synthesizing SNP with precise size; tailored for specific applications. This would enable commercialization of the Green synthesis of SNP using plant extracts.