Nano Research & Applications

Facile synthesis of Ag and Ag-CuO nanoparticles using aqueous extracts of Mimosa pigra and their catalytic activities in the degradation of some common pollutants

International Meeting on Advanced Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology
November 07-08, 2017 Singapore

Elias E Elemike, Damian C Onwudiwe, Doris F Ogeleka and Justina I Mbonu

North West University, South Africa

ScientificTracks Abstracts: Nano Res Appl

DOI: 10.21767/2471-9838-C1-005

Abstract

Biosynthesis of Ag and Ag-CuO nanoparticles using aqueous leaf extracts of Mimosa pigra is presented. The nanoparticles were synthesized using different concentration ratios of aqueous leaf extract of Mimosa pigra to the silver and copper salts. The nanoparticles were characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning and transmission electron microscopies. Stable nanoparticles with average particle size of 17.5 nm (Ag) and 49.5 nm (Ag-CuO), which were capped by the plant extracts via the O-H and C=O groups from flavonoids, tannins and other bio compounds were obtained. The UV-vis spectra revealed earlier formation of surface Plasmon bands for silver nanoparticles when the volume of extract was reduced, although with lower intensity. In the spectrum of Ag-CuO nanoparticles, broad bands around 400-500 nm appeared in the region of 365-369 nm. Crystallite size of approximately 50 nm for the Ag-CuO was calculated from XRD results using Scherrer equation and the particles were well dispersed as shown by the TEM images. The photocatalytic activities of the synthesized Ag and Ag-CuO nanoparticles were studied towards the degradation of methylene blue (MB) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The results provide eco-friendly reaction toward environmental remediation from common pollutants.