Relationship of photocatalysis with flavonoids in silver nanowire synthesis with herbal extract (Lavandula officinalis L.)

Abstract

Nanoparticles with unique physiochemical properties can be produced using non-toxic precursors with phyto-nano synthesis. In this study, Nanowire (AgNW) was produced from silver nanoparticles (AgNP) reduced with Lavandula officinalis L. flower extract using the phyto-nano synthesis method. The length of the produced AgNW is 1-20 µm and its diameter is approximately 40-100 nm. Although the reduction of silver was quite fast in the light environment, it was found to be slow in the dark environment. However, the effect of darkness on AgNP stabilization and AgNW formation was quite important. In addition, it was revealed that the main physical factor that enables AgNW to elongate is the mechanics of the environment provided by the centrifuge. Optical and morphological characterization of nanoparticles was done with UV-visible spectrometry and SEM. The crystal structure of the particles was determined by XRD. Energy dispersion spectrums of nanoparticles were determined by EDS. Character and size analysis was performed by TEM. FTIR determination was performed on the extracts to guide the determination of the reduction factors in light and dark. The extracts were also determined by HPLC to give an idea about the role of flavonoid content in the Ag reduction due to light. Accordingly, it was found that aromatic ring compounds with alcoholic groups effectively reduce silver in the dark and promote AgNW formation.