Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles: A Sustainable Route for Multifunctional Applications with Advanced Characterization

Abstract

The environmentally friendly manufacturing of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using plant-based extracts has received immense interest. This study synthesized AgNPs from aloe vera, green tea, ginger, neem, and lemon extracts and examined how varied synthesis circumstances affected nanoparticle characteristics. The synthesis was performed at 50–70°C, pH 6.5– 9, with silver precursor concentrations 0.5–2 mM. Results showed that higher precursor concentrations increased nanoparticle size by 15%. The plant extract, temperature, and pH affected the nanoparticles’ morphology, which ranged from spherical to rod-like to irregular. In antibacterial experiments, AgNPs generated with turmeric extract were 25% more effective against * E. coli* and * S. aureus* bacteria than those made with aloe vera extract. In methylene blue and Congo red dye degradation studies, green tea extract-generated AgNPs had 10% greater catalytic activity than lemon extract-derived ones. This comprehensive study shows that green-synthesized AgNPs may be customized utilizing eco-friendly methods, making them promising for nanotechnology, biomedicine, catalysis, and environmental research.

Keywords

• silver nanoparticles
• green synthesis
• plant extracts
• nanoparticle characterization
• sustainable nanotechnology