Biosynthesis of linden protected silver nanoparticles and their safe application as a catalyst for reduction of methylene blue hydrate

Green synthetic protocol was developed for fabrication of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using linden extract as stabilizing and reducing agent. Green synthetic protocols preferred over other reduction procedures due to its nontoxic, easy, nonexpensive and environmental friendly behavior. The effect of various reaction parameters and additives on morphology such as, concentration of silver nitrate, effect of pH, temperature, volume of extract and stirring rate were optimized in order to achieve small size stable silver nanoparticles by using Ultra Violet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. Trasmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed to study the morphology and dimensions of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles. TEM study confirmed that the synthesized nanoparticles were spherical in nature having an average size of 24.4±2nm. The synthesized plant protected AgNPs were applied homogeneously as well as heterogeneously for reduction of methylene blue hydrate (MB) by immobilizing the nanoparticles on small pieces of glass cover slip. These NPs act as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst and completely reduced MB within 8 min.