Biosynthesis and Characterization of Stable Silver Nanoparticles Using Ficus religiosa Leaf Extract: A Mechanism Perspective

Abstract

A green, low-cost, and reproducible synthesis of stable silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Ficus religiosa leaf extract is reported in the present study. UV–Vis spectroscopy technique used to study the formation of AgNPs and it revealed the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) at 430 nm. The effect of time, concentration of Leaf extract, ionic strength of silver nitrate, pH and temperature was studied. Field emission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) are performed to ascertain the formation of AgNPs and understand its morphology. The AgNPs are almost spherical in shape having the average size of 5–50 nm. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis is performed to know the elemental composition synthesized nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction studies indicated to have fcc unit cell structure of AgNPs. Thermal gravimetric analysis is performed to understand thermal behavior of nanoparticles. An effort has been made to understand the mechanism involved in biosynthesis and stabilization of AgNps. Spectroscopy techniques (IR and Fluorescence) revealed Proteins, Quinones and flavonoids are responsible for the synthesis and stabilization of AgNPs. The SPR peak intensity depends on pH, concentration of Leaf extract and the reaction temperature, hence optimum conditions were obtained to get narrow particle size and shapes.