Green synthesis of colloidal silver using banana (Musa balbisiana) leaf extract

The area of nanotechnology is one of the liveliest areas of exploration in present-day material science. Metal nanoparticles especially silver nanoparticles have been extensively studied for their properties, which are quite distinct from the bulk material from which they are derived. A Number of methods like physical, chemical, photochemical, biological, green method etc. have been employed for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. With increasing environmental concerns focus has been shifted on developing ecofriendly techniques for synthesis of silver nanoparticles. In present study silver nanoparticles were synthesized by green synthesis by using banana leaf extract. Nanoparticles thus obtained were characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Nanoparticles obtained by green synthesis method were quasi spherical, relatively larger in size in comparison to chemical method, unstable and showed marked degree of aggregation.