Abstract

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was successfully developed by using Ephedra intermedia stem extract. The effect of silver precursor concentration, amount of stem extract, and reaction temperature on the bioreduction reaction was evaluated. Natural carbohydrates present in Ephedra intermedia were found to act as an effective reducing and capping agent during AgNPs biosynthesis. AgNPs were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, TEM, XRD, FTIR and DLS analysis. The particles were crystalline and spherical in shape having diameters between 10 and 36 nm, the mean diameter being 24 nm. Zeta potential of the prepared nanoparticles was measured to be -30 mV which is an acceptable charge for colloid particles.

Keywords: Ag nanoparticles, aqueous extract, bioreduction, biosynthesis, plant.