Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles by Leaf Extract

CHECK LIST: Fresh leaves of Bottle Brush or F. Panda, Copper Nitrate, Deionized Water, Beaker, Buret, Magnetic Stirrer with Temperature option, FIlter Paper

STEP1: Take fresh leaves of Bottle Brush or F. Panda. Wash properly and cut them into small pieces. STEP2: Take Leaf pieces (25g) and mix with Deionized Water (100ml) STEP3: Now boil the Leaves at around 80-90ºC for 5-10 minutes STEP4: When the water turns GREEN, filter it out and use it as reducing and capping agent for Nanoparticles synthesis

STEP5: Take Copper Nitrate (20mg) in deionized water (50ml); and set temperature 60-70ºC STEP6: Add leaf extract drop wise until the color of Copper Nitrate solution turns light GREEN. RESULTS: The light Green color indicated the formation of Copper Nanoparticles in water. UV-Vis spectroscopy absorption peak would be obtained around 600nm.

FACTORS AFFECTING THE 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. 

NOTE: All the experiments should be done under the guidance of lab Incharge; and proper lab safety instructions.