Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using camellia sinensis aqueous leaf extract for dye wastewater treatment

Abstract

Nanotechnology provides an environmentally friendly green technique for synthesizing silver nanoparticles using various parts of the plants. In this research, aqueous leaf extract of the Camellia Sinensis plant was used. The optimum concentration of silver nitrate solution used as a reducing agent was 1mM, the optimum reaction temperature used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles was 100oC and the optimum volume of leaf extract used was 5mls. Change of color was observed within 5 minutes of the reaction which was confirmation of presence of silver nanoparticles. Characterization of the silver nanoparticles was done using the UV-VIS spectrophotometer and FTIR. The synthesized silver nanoparticles gave a maximum peak wavelength ranging from 380-450nm which was a confirmation of their presence. 10mls of silver nanoparticles was used to decolorize 100mls of dye wastewater at a temperature of 30oC for an incubation time of 30minutes.