Green synthesis of cobalt nanoparticles by using methanol extract of plant leaf as reducing agent

Abstract

In the present work total reducing strength or phenolic compounds in leaf extract of Conocarpus erectus and Nerium indicum were determined and then Cobalt nanoparticles (Co NPs) were synthesized by using only methanol extract of Conocarpus erectus leaves as reducing agent because of its higher values of total phenolic compounds (296 ± 9 µg/g) in comparison to Nerium indicum (185 ± 6 µg/g). Characterization of the green synthesized Co NPs was performed by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) and XRD (X-Ray Diffractometer) techniques. The size of Co NPs was estimated in the range of 20-60 nm. The usage of plant extract for the preparation of Co NPs makes the process cost effective, non-toxic and green method.