Facile Green Approach to Investigate Morphology Controlled Formation Mechanism of Silver Nanoparticles

There is profound interest in synthesis of nanoparticles having exceptional control over the shape and mean size distribution which is prime goal of the nanotechnology. In this research, an eco-friendly approach has been adopted to synthesize silver nanoparticles of mean size 24–33 nm using root bark extract of Berberis lycium Royle. These silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and atomic absorption spectroscopy. This experimental investigation has been carried out systemically to perceive the influences of concentrations of bark extract and AgNO 3 , temperature and pH on the morphology and mean size distribution of the evolved nanoparticles. The reduction mechanism of silver ions which lead to formation of nanoparticles has been studied and realized that alkaloids, flavonoids and sugars are predominantly involved in the growth process. This green approach has been anticipated to be facile and cost-effective for having better morphologically and mean size distribution control of silver nanoparticles and can transform the future of nano science and technology.