Stimuli-responsive synthesis of silver nanoparticles applying green and chemical reduction approaches

Introduction: The current study reports the comparative stimuli-responsive synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with various sizes and morphologies employing Lycium ruthenicum extract and sodium citrate solutions. Methods: The morphology and size of AgNPs were regulated by varying the pH values, concentrations of the extract solution, and temperatures in the reaction medium. The prepared AgNPs were assessed via various instrumental analyses, including UV-Vis, FTIR, XRD, TEM, and DLS. Results: The L. ruthenicum extract displayed several functional groups that reduced the Ag ions to the AgNPs at different values of pH. However, the primary chemical structure of L. ruthenicum was virtually unaltered at these conditions. Variations in the pH and extract concentration of the reaction medium yielded AgNPs of different sizes and morphologies. Both bio- and chemo-synthesized AgNPs revealed a relatively dispersed sphere-shaped morphology under alkaline conditions (≈ 36 nm). Conclusion: This study introduced a simple, valuable, and green technique for stimuli-sensitive AgNPs synthesis employing the L. ruthenicum extract.