A green low-cost biosynthesis of Sb2O3 nanoparticles

A green low-cost and reproducible yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) mediated biosynthesis of Sb2O3 nanoparticles is reported. The synthesis is performed akin to room temperature in the laboratory ambience. X-ray and transmission electron microscopy analyses are performed to ascertain the formation of Sb2O3 nanoparticles. Rietveld analysis indicated that Sb2O3 nanoparticles have face centered cubic (FCC) unit cell structure. Individual nanoparticles as well as a few number of aggregate almost spherical in shape having a size of 2-10 nm are found. Possible involved mechanism for the synthesis of nano-Sb2O3 has also been proposed. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.