Effect of concentrated solar radiation on the morphology of the silver nanoparticles and its antibacterial activity

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn the present work, concentrated solar radiation (CSR) was utilised as a greener path for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) with different size and explore its antibacterial potential. Citric acid and polyvinylpyrrolidone were used as a reducing agent and capping agent respectively in the reaction. The reaction was accelerated by CSR, resulting in a reduction in the reaction time. Different coloured cellophane papers were used to filter the light from the lens to check the efficacy of the radiation energy system on the synthesis of Ag NPs. UV Spectrophotometer was used to characterise Ag NPs and to optimise reaction time, while X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the synthesised particles to be Ag NPs. With the aid of particle size analyser, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy results, the effect of wavelength on the size of the nanoparticles was realised. Intensity calculations depicted maximum intensity of CSR was obtained when the yellow colour filter was draped around Fresnel lens. The synthesised Ag NPs has found particle size ranged from 11 to 40 nm and remarkable antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas putida and Escherichia coli was noticed. This work strives to develop a greener process for the synthesis of Ag NPs with different morphology using CSR.