Biosynthesis, characterization and photocatalytic activity of silver nanoparticles produced from AgNO3 solution using aqueous extract of Ocimum bacilicum L. leaf as the reducing agent

Abstract

The paper presents a simple and eco-friendly, green synthesis method of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from AgNO3 solution using aqueous extract of Ocimum basilicum L. leaf as the reducing agent. The influence of some factors such as the volume ratio of Ocimum basilicum L. leaf extract/ AgNO3 solution, pH, temperature to the synthesis of silver nanoparticles was investigated. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The morphology and crystalline phase of AgNPs were determined from transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra. The results showed that the reaction process was rapid for the formation of stable AgNPs, colorless AgNO3 solution changes to brown-yellow after adding aqueous extract of Ocimum basilicum L. leaf. The obtained AgNPs were spherical with different average sizes of 6.5 nm - 12.9 nm and have lattice planes of silver. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized silver nanoparticles was examined by degradation of methylene blue under sunlight irradiation