(25f) Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Glucose and Starch

In this study, we have developed a rapid, easy and novel method for the microwave assisted, “green” synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using glucose and starch as the reducing and capping agents, respectively. The properties of AgNPs make them excellent candidates for antibacterial and antitumoral agents, biosensors, supercapacitors and theranostic vehicles amongst others. Different shapes and sizes of the nanoparticles impart them these multifarious applications. Many traditional synthesis routes use toxic chemicals and imprudent amounts of energy and therefore pose a potential hazard to health and the environment. Microwave synthesis of silver nanoparticles is a faster and more energy efficient route. In addition, microwave assisted synthesis can be a robust and efficient platform to synthesize various shape-controlled inorganic nanoparticles. A simple synthesis method for AgNP formation using glucose and starch as the reducing and capping agents, respectively, has not been well understood. AgNP production was optimized as a function of reaction time, temperature and molar concentrations of the reactants. The size, shape and crystallinity of the silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). We also carried out thermal gravimetric analyses (TGA) to assess the thermal stability of the nanoparticles and to verify the formation of AgNPs. Furthermore, the AgNP yield, energy balance and reaction mechanism, which has not been well elucidated in the literature, was studied. There was a change of less than 2% in the absorbance of the SPR band of the as prepared AgNPs after 2 weeks, thereby validating that the particles were uniform and stable over time. In the future, we will study the antimicrobial and electronic properties of the AgNPs by looking into its cytotoxic effects and through cyclic voltammetry (CV), respectively.

Keywords: Silver nanoparticles, microwave synthesis, green chemistry