Electrocatalytic Reduction of Benzyl Chloride by Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Pod Extract of Acacia nilotica

The present work describes the eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles using pod extract of Acacia nilotica. The effect of concentration and effect of pH were studied on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The formation of AgNPs was analyzed by visual observation and UV-vis spectrophotometer. Further, the stable AgNPs were characterized by FT-IR, DLS (dynamic light scattering) with zeta potential analysis, and HR-TEM (high resolution-transmission electron microscopy) with EDS (energy dispersive spectrum) analysis. The phytoconstituents present in the extract such as gallic acid, ellagic acid, epicatechin, and rutin are responsible for reduction and protection of Ag+ and AgNPs, which is evident from FT-IR studies. The studies have revealed that it is possible to control the size of AgNPs by fine-tuning of pH of the reaction medium. The HR-TEM images showed that the synthesized stable AgNPs are approximately 20-30 nm in size with distorted spherical shapes. Further, the electrocatalytic activity of AgNPs on the reduction of benzyl chloride was studied and compared with bulk silver and inert glassy carbon electrode by cyclic voltammetry. The synthesized AgNPs were found to show greater electrocatalytic activity in the reduction of benzyl chloride compared to that of bulk silver as studied from cyclic voltammetry.