An Efficient Green Synthesis Method for the Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using the Extraction of Catha Edulis Leaves

Abstract

The synthesis of nanoparticles using plant extracts has received great attentions during the last two decades. That is plausibly due to its simple, rapid, toxic-free, and efficient reactions. In this study, a unique green method for preparing silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using the extract of Qat (or Khat) leaves is reported. The method is cheap, easy and has a potential for mass production of nanoparticles. Qat is a fast growing plant used mostly as stimulant in Yemen and South African countries and contains dozens of phytochemicals in its leaves. These chemicals are extracted from Qat leaves in an aqueous solution and used as a reducing agent and surfactant in the reaction. The structure and morphology of Ag nanoparticles are confirmed using multidisciplinary characterization tools. The results showed well dispersed spherical particles with an average size of 18.11 nm. The surfactant coated on the particles are confirmed using FTIR technique. Moreover, this green method is applicable for large scale production with an efficient cost due to rapid reaction and the wide availability of the plant leaves.