Thursday, 2 February 2017

Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles by Leaf Extract

Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles by Leaf Extract
  1. CHECK LIST
    Fresh leaves of Bottle Brush or F. Panda, Copper Nitrate, Deionized Water, Beaker, Buret, Magnetic Stirrer with Temperature option, FIlter Paper
  2. STEP 1.
    Take fresh leaves of Bottle Brush or F. Panda. Wash properly and cut them into small pieces.
  3. STEP 2.
    Take Leaf pieces (25g) and mix with Deionized Water (100ml).
  4. STEP 3.
    Now boil the Leaves at around 80-90ºC for 5-10 minutes.
  5. STEP 4.
    When the water turns GREEN, filter it out and use it as reducing and capping agent for Nanoparticles synthesis.
  6. STEP 5.
    Take Copper Nitrate (0.5g) in deionized water (50ml); and set temperature 60-70ºC.
  7. STEP 6.
    Add leaf extract drop wise until the color of Copper Nitrate solution turns light GREEN.
  8. RESULTS
    The light Green color indicated the formation of Copper Nanoparticles in water. UV-Vis spectroscopy absorption peak would be obtained around 600nm.
  9. Factors Affecting Synthesis
    Species of Plant/Tree: Different types of Plants/Trees are having different types of chemical composition and concentration of specific chemical in its leaves. So different species of Plants/Trees can give the different particle size, size distribution. Even morphology can also be changed by using leaf extract of different plants/trees.
    Concentration of Copper Nitrate: Copper Nitrate is used as the precursor in this synthesis. Higher the concentration of Copper Nitrate, more the chances of agglomeration; further leads to bulky size particles.
    Concentration of Leaves in Water: Concentration of leaves in water is very important for Nanoparticles synthesis. Higher concentration of leaves in water, leads to higher concentration of reducing and capping agent in water.
    Temperature: The temperature is another important factor in the synthesis of Nanoparticles, change in temperature leads to change in the particles size; also higher temperature leads to faster chemical Kinetics.
  10. NOTE: All the experiments should be done under the guidance of lab Incharge; and proper lab safety instructions.