Synthesis and characterization of AgNP:ZrO2 functional nanomaterials by leaf extract assisted bioreduction process

Silver nanoparticle functionalized nanocrystalline ZrO2 was fabricated by using Anacardium occidentale leaf extract assisted bioreduction process at ambient conditions. Introducing A. occidentale leaf extract into an aqueous mixture of silver nitrate and ZrO2 particles caused the speedy reduction of the silver ions and efficiently lead to their nucleation as highly stable, silver nanoparticles on the ZrO2 surface. A reaction mechanism for the fabrication of functional interfaces was developed to illustrate this process. SEM–EDS and TEM investigations, together with UV–vis spectroscopy, confirmed the formation of 5–20 nm silver nanoparticles on the surfaces of ZrO2 particles. Further, the X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the phase pure face-centered cubic (fcc) crystal structure of silver nanoparticles formed on the surface of ZrO2 particles. Increasing concentration of leaf extract in the reaction mixture caused the rapid reduction of silver ions and inhibits the formation of silver nanoparticles over the surface of ZrO2 particles significantly.