Optical Properties of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized by Green Method using Fenugreek Seeds Extract

Abstract

Nanotechnology has become one ofthe most promising technologies applied in all most areas of science. Noble metals Nanoparticles (MNPs) such as silver and gold have attracted attention of researchers because of their unique properties, owing to their small size (1–100 nm), large surface-to-volume as compared to their bulk form.However, most of the chemical methods are expensive and involve the use of toxic chemicals that pose biological risks. Therefore, an alternative method, which are less toxic, eco-friendly and in-expensive has been explored. This method is termed green method because it involves the use of natural resources (plants). In this work, Fenugreek seeds extract was used as the reducing agent to synthesize silver nanoparticles using the well-known method called Turkevich method. During synthesisprocess, the color was changed after addition of Fenugreek seeds extract, indicating the formation of silver nanoparticles. UV- Vis spectrometer was further confirmed the formation of silver nanoparticles due appearance of absorption peak in visible region owing to localized surface Plasmon resonance. In addition, the effect of Fenugreek extract quantity and heating time on the formation of silver nanoparticles was investigated.The optimum ratio between Fenugreek seeds extract and silver nitritesolution is found to be 2:25. The obtained results showed that the heating time (between 20-180 min) and the concentration of Fenugreek extract had no obvious effect on the particle size but instead enhanced interaction rate. The particle size of silver was calculated using Mie theory and the average size was found to be ~5nm.