Pepper leaf extract assisted green synthesis of copper nano particles-synthesis and characterisation

Abstract

In the last decade the development of efficient Green synthesis of metal nanoparticles has become a major focus of researchers. It was aimed in order to find a safe, economic and eco-friendly technique for the production of well characterized Nanoparticles. The present study reports the green synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles using plant extract (Pepper leaf extract) and a Copper Salt (Copper Chloride, CuCl2). Copper nanoparticles are produced by the reduction of CuCl2, while the aqueous leaf extract act as a reducing agent. The formation of Copper nanoparticles was recognized by the change of colour from blue to black. The synthesized Nanoparticles are then characterized through EDAX, XRD, and UV-Vis Spectrophotometry. EDAX confirmed the formation of Copper nanoparticles. The UV Vis spectrophotometer analysis confirmed the absorption peak of CuCl2 particles at wavelength of 300-400 nm. XRD analysis revealed four sharp peaks specifically referred to face cantered cubic structure of Metallic copper.