Electrochemical and spectral characterization of silver nanoparticles synthesized employing root extract of <em>Curculigo orchioides</em>

Abstract

A facile eco-friendly approach is employed to prepare silver nanoparticles, using root extract of <em>Curculigo orchioides</em> (family Hypoxidaceae). The aqueous solution of silver ions in contact with root extract of <em>Curculigo orchioides</em> are reduced to zero valent silver and eventually stabilized as silver nanoparticles. An electrochemical approach has been presented to characterise conversion of silver ions into metallic silver in solution. A significant change in cyclic voltammetric characteristics has been observed to mark the transition of metal ion from higher oxidation state to stabilized silver in zero oxidation state. UV-Vis, FTIR, and X-ray diffraction analyses and atomic force microscopy supports the formation of spherical silver nanoparticles within 40 min of reaction time at room temperature.