Cynara cornigera Fruit Extracts Mediated Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs): Comparison Investigation on Characterizations and Synthesis Techniques

The role of green chemistry in nanotechnology and nanoscience fields is very significant in synthesizing various nanomaterials. The effect of the synthesis technique on the size of Ag-NPs have been reported. Ag nanoparticles has been produced by using two techniques: Green synthesis and uv-irradiation green synthesis methods, respectively. The current research included to use a stabilizer and reducing agents from plant extract to get the non-toxic and environmentally friendly product, via using Cynara cornigera. The characterization of AgNPs was conducted with ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that AgNPs were successfully synthesized by Cynara cornigera extract through the two methods. However, the results improved that, the AgNPs synthesis process was effectively enhanced by UV irradiation. The UV-vis spectrum of the AgNPs colloids showed an absorption peak at around 400 nm. The XRD patterns confirm the presence of Ag nanoparticles with a cubic structure and SEM images showed AgNPs with an average diameter of 16 ± 5 nm and 10 ± 2 nm. It was concluded that Cynara cornigera extract could be used as a bio-reducing agent, an alternative to chemical agents. In addition, the UV irradiation improved the concentration of AgNPs and the reaction rate. The synthesized AgNPs could be tested and applied in applications such as antimicrobial agents for further research and investigation.