Green synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles from the aqueous extract of the leaves of Citrus aurantifolia

Abstract

A green and convenient approach was employed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the leaves of Citrus aurantifolia. The extract of the leaves of Citrus aurantifolia is believed to act as a non-toxic and eco-friendly source of reducing and stabilizing agent for the synthesis of nanoparticles. The development and stabilization of the synthesized nanoparticles were analyzed using x-ray diffraction analysis, rietveld refinement, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX), and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy. The x-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the formation of a crystalline face centered cubic structure of elemental silver. The crystallite size of the nanoparticles was found to be 15.43 nm. The surface morphology revealed the quasi-spherical and granular shape of the particles and formation of nanoparticles of 80–120 nm grain size. The formation of 95% elemental silver nanoparticles was corroborated by a strong characteristic line of Ag in the EDX spectrum. The strong absorption peak at 438 nm manifests surface plasmon resonance and the stability of the synthesized nanoparticles.