Valorization of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) peel extract for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles

Objective: To evaluate the use of rambutan peel extract as a reducing agent for the synthesis of Ag nanoparticles. Design/methodology/approach: The extract of rambutan peels was prepared by adding 5 g of finely powdered dried peels to 100 mL of distilled water, and stirring the mixture for 15 min at 75 °C. The filtered extract was then used as a reducing agent for a 10 mM AgNO3 solution. The effect of extract volume, reaction time and temperature were evaluated. Results: Low amounts of extract and increased temperature promote a more effective and complete formation of AgNPs, and their band gap energy was estimated experimentally to be 2.75 eV. Limitations on study/implications: Although UV–Vis spectroscopy confirmed the synthesis of AgNPs, additional characterization techniques should be employed in future studies. Findings/conclusions: The use of rambutan peel extract is an effective biotechnological alternative for the green synthesis of AgNPs.