200 MeV Ag ion irradiation mediated green synthesis and self assembly of silver nanoparticles into dendrites for enhanced SERS applications

In this paper, we report green and controlled synthesis of silver nanoparticles in water with spherical, hetrogeneously shaped and extended chain like networks using pristine Bergenia ciliata root extracts and the extracts irradiated with Ag15+ swift heavy ion irradiation. The ion fluence on the thin layer of extract modifies the phytomolecules responsible for the reduction and capping of the silver ion and thus changing the morphologies and sizes of the resultant nanoparticles. In addition, the irradiation assists the nanoparticles to agglomerate via surface oxidation providing a core for the growth of dendritic assemblies. Optical, crystallographic and morphological studies reveal surface oxidation of silver nanoparticles is enhanced upon the irradiation of the phytomolecules due to which the surface chemistry of the nanoparticles changes. In addition, these silver nanoparticles and their dendritic assembly exhibit high SERS enhancement factors for methylene blue analyte. The effects of irradiation promote the dendritic assemblies, roughened surfaces over the nanoparticle clusters and hence offer higher enhancement factors as compared to those which have been synthesized using pristine plant extracts.& nbsp;

Automated summary

In this study, a green and controlled synthesis method for silver nanoparticles using Bergenia ciliata root extracts and Ag15+ swift heavy ion irradiation in water was reported. The results revealed that the irradiation modified the phytomolecules responsible for the reduction and capping of silver ions, resulting in changes in the morphologies and sizes of the nanoparticles. The irradiation also promoted the formation of dendritic assemblies and surface oxidation of the nanoparticles, leading to higher SERS enhancement factors for methylene blue analyte.