A novel green technology: Synthesis and characterization of Ag/TiO2 nanocomposites using Padina tetrastromatica (seaweed) extract

Green synthesis of nanoparticles from plants is a field showing growth and popularity in recent times due to eco-friendliness, cost-effectiveness and minimal use of toxic chemicals for synthesis. In the current work, the Padina tetrastromatica extract has been employed for the synthesis of Ag/TiO2 nano composites. All the synthesized particles were characterized accordingly, using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Aqueous extract of seaweed acts a as reducing and capping agent in the formation of nanocomposites. Green synthesized Ag/TiO2 nanocomposites were of anatase phase and average particles size was 25 +/- 4 nm. Biological method for synthesis of nanocomposites using seaweed extract has been recommended as an alternative to physical and chemical methods. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.