Synthesis of Colloidal CuNPs Using the Extract of Thuja Orientalis

Abstract

Green synthesis as an alternative technique for bioproduction of metallic nanomaterials has presented a great interest due to the composition of reducing agents in plants, bacteria, and fungi that favor the production of nanostructured materials. In this investigation, the extract of Thuja Orientalis was used to evaluate the synthesis of copper nanoparticles. The species presents biomolecules which make it a candidate for the reduction of metal ions. The FTIR analysis showed the presence of functional groups OH, CH, C=O, COOH, -OCH3, C-O-C proper to polyphenols, terpenes, and ligands. The kinetics of CuNPs synthesis was analyzed by UV-vis in which a narrow absorbance band was shown at 400 nm after 20 minutes of reaction using a concentration of precursor agent of 50 mM, giving us indications of a homogeneous system of nanoparticles, which was corroborated by SEM obtaining a particle size between 5-60 nm with a spherical morphology. By cyclic voltammetry, the reducing power of the extract against the ions of Cu+2 to Cu0 was demonstrated, as well as its tendency to oxidation, which can have great advantages in different applications.