In the present days the development of efficient green synthesis of metal nanoparticles has become a major focus of researchers. It was aimed in order to find a safe, economic and eco-friendly technique for the production of well characterized nanoparticles. The present study reports the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles using plant extract (pepper leaf extract) and a copper salt (copper chloride, CuCl2). Copper nanoparticles are produced by the reduction of CuCl2, while the aqueous leaf extract act as reducing agent. The formation of copper nanoparticles was recognized by the change of colour from blue to black. The synthesized nanoparticles were then characterized through EDAX, XRD, and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. EDAX confirmed the formation of copper nanoparticles. The UV-Vis spectrophotometer analysis confirmed the absorption peak of copper nanoparticles at wavelength of 500-700 nm. XRD analysis revealed three sharp peaks specifically referred to face centered cubic structure of metallic copper. This work was also carried out the optical studies of copper nanoparticles which were exposed to direct sunlight. This study reflected the effect of sunlight intensity on the absorption peak of copper nanoparticles.
Green synthesis of copper nanoparticles using leaf extract of Ageratum houstonianum Mill. and study of their photocatalytic and antibacterial activities