Ziziphus spina-christi based bio-synthesis of Ag nanoparticles

• Ag NPs can be effectively bio-synthesized using Ziziphus spina-christi extract.
• The biomolecules of the extract serve as reducing/capping agents of Ag NPs.
• The pH value is controlling factor in producing monodispersed nanoparticles.
• Bio-synthesized Ag NPs exhibit catalytic activity on degradation of 4-nitrophenol.

The bio-production of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using Ziziphus spina-christi extract was studied as a novel, rapid, low-cost and eco-friendly route. The impact of experimental factors, such as the extract quantity, precursor concentration and pH on the size and size distribution of Ag NPs, was studied with the aid of UV–vis spectrophotometer and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The FTIR analysis was carried out to identify the functional groups in Ag NPs. The as-synthesized Ag NPs was used as a catalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) in the presence of NaBH4.

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