Biosynthesis, characterization and photocatalytic activity of silver nanoparticles produced from AgNO3 solution using aqueous extract of Ocimum bacilicum L. leaf as the reducing agent

The paper presents a simple and eco-friendly, green synthesis method of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from AgNO₃ solution using aqueous extract of Ocimum basilicum L. leaf as the reducing agent. The influence of some factors such as the volume ratio of Ocimum basilicum L. leaf extract/ AgNO₃ solution, pH, temperature to the synthesis of silver nanoparticles was investigated. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The morphology and crystalline phase of AgNPs were determined from transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra. The results showed that the reaction process was rapid for the formation of stable AgNPs, colorless AgNO₃ solution changes to brown-yellow after adding aqueous extract of Ocimum basilicum L. leaf. The obtained AgNPs were spherical with different average sizes of 6.5 nm - 12.9 nm and have lattice planes of silver. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized silver nanoparticles was examined by degradation of methylene blue under sunlight irradiation