Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles from Couroupita guianensis leaf extract–A Simple Green Route

Abstract

With the increase in the potential applications of nanoparticles in pharma and various fields, nanoparticle research is attracting more attention. Though several chemical and physical methods are being used for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles, they are associated with several disadvantages. Couroupita guianensis is a traditional plant with medicinal values. The focus of the study was to follow a green chemistry route to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the leaf extract of Couroupita guianensis as a reductant and stabilizing agent. The boiled aqueous leaf extract with silver nitrate solution on exposure to sunlight showed the maximum absorbance at 430nm indicating the synthesis of AgNPs. Ultra Violet (UV)-Visible spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques were used for the characterization of AgNPs. The synthesized AgNPs were found to be spherical and 4.44 – 40.20nm in size. They also seemed to be capped with the significant functional groups present in the leaf extract. Thus, the study suggested Couroupita guianensis mediated green synthesis of AgNPs as an efficient and eco-friendly approach with substantial advantages over the conventional methods. The process could be further scaled-up for mass production and wider applications of AgNPs.