Green Synthesis of rGO/Ag Nanocomposite for Clean Energy Storage Application

Abstract

Recently, many researchers are having more interest in developing eco-friendly synthesis methods for the production of metal nanoparticles. Nanoparticles play very important role in developing sustainable technologies for future, for humanity and the environment. Various techniques are reported for the production of nanoparticles such as physical, biological, chemical and hybrid techniques (Mohanpuria et al in J Nanopart Res 10:507–517 2008 [33]; Tiwari et al in Curr Sci 95:647–655, 2008 [34]; Luechinger et al in Chem Mat 22:155–160, 2010 [35]). Physical and chemical methods have been used for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles for a long time, but due to their use of high radiation and toxic reagents, this method is very unsafe for the environment as well as for the health of human. Therefore, there is a need of environmentally friendly technique. Among the various methods, green synthesis of nanoparticles is environmental-friendly technique, in which toxic, expensive chemicals and hazardous reagents were not used. Synthesis of metal nanoparticles using plants extract is seemed to be the best candidate as the synthesized nanoparticles are more stable and production rate is high than the nanoparticles produced by microorganisms (Iravani in Green Chem 13:2638, 2011 [37]). Green synthesis method is gaining much importance as it is simple and economic. Graphene and graphene-based nanocomposites are raised outstandingly in various research areas for applications such as catalysis, sensing and energy storage. The biological, strong mechanical strength, thermal and electrical properties make graphene-based nanocomposites of metallic nanoparticles effective in various applications. In this chapter, attempts are made in reviewing the properties of the metal nanoparticle, synthesized metal nanoparticles using various methods of green synthesis and its application for clean energy storage. Further, a green synthesis process using the extracts of Tilia amurensis plant for the production of rGO/Ag nanocomposites is also discussed.