Synthesis of AgNPs using the extract of Calotropis procera flower at room temperature

This paper describes green procedure for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the extract of Calotropis procera flower. The aqueous extract of this flower has been used as green reducing and stabilizing agent. Parameters such as pH and reaction time were varied. Progress of the reaction has been monitored by surface plasmon resonance of AgNPs. which occur at 405 nm. Raman spectra revealed the unique surface enhancing property of synthesized AgNPs. XRD pattern of AgNPs confirms the crystallinity with fcc plane. The average particle size of synthesized AgNPs was found to be in the order of 35 nm. SEM analysis revealed well defined shape of AgNPs. SEM with EDX spectrum authenticated the presence of silver. FT-IR spectra indicate that synthesized AgNPs were capped with phytochemicals present in the extract. The cubical shape of AgNPs was obtained. This greener synthesis is achieved at room temperature and found to be reproducible. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.