Process Parameters for Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles using Leaves Extract of Aloe Vera Plant

Abstract

In the present study, an environmental friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been investigated using Aloe Vera plant leaves extract act as reducing and stabilizing agent. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed by changing their color to dark brown due to surface plasmon resonance (SPR) phenomenon. The effect of process parameters on synthesis of AgNPs from Aloe Vera leaves extract such as AgNO3 concentration (molarity), extract volume percent, sunlight exposure time and temperature were studied. The AgNPs obtained were characterized  using UV-vis spectroscopy, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), Atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Fourier Transformation Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). UV-Vis spectroscopy showed the SPR peaks for AgNPs using Aloe Vera leaves extract were between 420-490 nm. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed the AgNPs are spherical in shapes with the average particle diameters between 34 - 102 nm. The best conditions for synthesis of AgNPs using Aloe Vera leaves extract were found at 5 mM AgNO3 concentration, 15% extract volume percent, for 10 min of sunlight exposure and temperature at 60 oC.