Ag Thin Films from Pelargonium Zonale Leaves via Green Chemistry

Abstract

Ag thin films were successfully produced via a green chemistry method from silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) obtained from reacting an extract of Pelargonium Zonale leaves with silver nitrate. The ions of silver nitrate were reduced to silver atoms by reducing stabilizer-capping compounds contained in the extract of Pelargonium Zonale leaves. The obtained atoms nucleate in small clusters that grew into nanoparticles and finally, they formed a homogeneous silver thin film on a glass substrate. The nanostructured thin films obtained were characterized by profilometry, X Ray Diffraction, Atomic Force Electronic Microscopy, UV-Vis, and Transmission Electron Microscopy.