Growth Dynamics Study of Silver Nanoparticles Obtained by Green Synthesis using Salvia officinalis Extract

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by the bottom-up approach using Salvia officinalis extract, and their growth process was correlated with changes in their ultraviolet-visible spectra. Experiments were performed at different initial mixing ratios of silver nitrate to plant extract and at pH values to outline a pattern concerning the growth of silver nanoparticles obtained by this synthesis procedure. Relative areas calculated from the spectra from 350 to 600nm were used as a comparison for the growth dynamics of silver nanoparticles synthesized in mixtures with different compositions. The graphical representation of relative areas vs. time presents four stages of nanoparticle growth with each linear portion corresponding to a different process rate.