Continuous-flow biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles by lixivium of sundried Cinnamomum camphora leaf in tubular microreactors

Biological production of silver nanoparticles by lixivium of sundried Cinnamomum camphora leaf in continuous-flow tubular microreactors was investigated. Properties of silver nanoparticles were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The concentration of residual silver ions after reaction was measured by atomic absorption spectophotometry (AAS) spectroscopy. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of C. camphora leaf lixivium were analyzed and temperature profiles along the tubes were calculated to explore formation mechanism of silver nanoparticles. Comparison of FTIR spectra of C. camphora leaf lixivium before and after reaction demonstrated the polyols in the lixivium may be mainly responsible for reduction of silver ions. According to the temperature profiles, at the inlet of the microreactors at 90 degrees C, the soar of the fluid temperature induced the burst of silver nuclei by homogeneous nucleation. Subsequently, the nuclei grew gradually along the reactors into silver nanoparticles from 5 to 40 nm. Polydisperse particles were formed by combination of heterogeneous nucleation and Ostwald ripening along the tubes at 60 degrees C.