Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Cymbopogon citratus

The aim of this study was green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using leaf extract of Cymbopogon citratus. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) having a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band centered at 406 nm were synthesized by Cymbopogon citratus leaf extract capping as well as reducing agent with AgNO3 during a time dependent process at room temperature. A synthesized silver nanoparticle was characterized for their size and shape using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The total formation of the AgNPs was observed visually with a color change from pale yellow to brownish-black. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS/EDX) were conducted to determine the various functional groups and the concentration of metal ions in the nanoparticles. The data analysis showed spherically shaped nanoparticles with a size of 25-30 nm in diameter as revealed by TEM thereby complementing the result for SEM.