China Rose/Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Pollen-Mediated Phytosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Their Catalytic Activity

Abstract

We reported an ecofriendly method for the phytosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the pollen of double-petal China rose/Hibiscus rosa-sinensis as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. The phytosynthesized AgNPs were preliminary characterized by their optical properties by UV–vis spectroscopy and showed their corresponding surface plasmonic resonance (SPR) at 405 nm. The distribution pattern and morphology of the synthesized AgNPs were confirmed by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy whereas X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy depicts their surface properties and crystalline nature. The phytosynthesized AgNPs were spherical, well dispersed, 10–50 nm in size, and crystalline. It also showed moderate photocatalytic activity for the degradation (>30%, 2.5 h) of Thioflavin T dye in direct sunlight. Thus, this work highlights the importance of China rose pollen in green nanoscience and supports the cleanliness of nature by naturally available materials.