Unique attributes of spherical cinnamon nanoparticles produced via PLAL technique: Synergy between methanol media and ablating laser wavelength

Abstract

Considering the biomedical and biocatalytic effectiveness of cinnamon nanoparticles (CNPs), we prepared them in methanol media using green pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) technique. A Q-switched pulsed Nd:YAG laser of wavelength 532 nm was used. These colloidal CNPs were characterized at room temperature using TEM, EDX, UV–Vis absorption, PL emission and FTIR-ATR measurements. The influence of varying laser ablation energy (LAE) on the structure, morphology and optical properties were determined. TEM images manifested the nucleation of highly spherical (mean diameter 19.43 nm), stable and pure CNPs with excellent absorption and emission behavior. EDX spectra divulged the appropriate elemental traces in the CNPs. Absorption spectra of CNPs revealed an intense UV peak centered at 321 nm. FTIR-ATR spectra disclosed the covering of CNPs by plant secondary metabolites and released protein molecule. PL emission spectra of as-synthesized CNPs under 350 nm excitations displayed a prominent peak in the range of 436–431 nm accompanied by a blue shift with increasing LAE. Furthermore, the PL intensity was gradually enhanced with the increase in LAE, demonstrating the formation of large number of luminescent centers by CNPs. Such distinctive features of CNPs were attributed to the synergy between methanol as liquid growth media and fundamental wavelength of laser. It was established that the achieved spherical CNPs in methanol suspension could be beneficial for antioxidant purposes.