A comparative study of eco-friendly silver nanoparticles synthesis using Prunus domestica plum extract and sodium citrate reducing agents

Abstract Through the current comparative study, colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized with various morphologies and sizes using Prunus domestica (P-dom) extract and sodium citrate as green and chemical reducing agents, respectively. AgNPs were synthesized employing different concentrations of the reducing agents in an aqueous solution at various pH values (3–10) and temperatures (25–85 °C). The UV–visible absorption spectrum indicated characteristic SPR peaks of AgNPs at 380–450 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed aqueous-soluble polyols (such as glycosides, phenols, and flavanols) participation in Ag ions reduction to the corresponding AgNPs at various pH values. The crystallinity of AgNPs detected by an X-ray diffractometer. Different morphologies (polygonal, oval, and spherical) of AgNPs with varying pH values were confirmed conducting transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Average particle sizes of 16–50 nm were determined using scanning electron microscopy, TEM, and dynamic light scattering assessments for AgNPs synthesized at various reaction conditions. This study is a demonstration for a facile, cheap, and eco-friendly stimuli-sensitive synthesize of AgNPs.