Green Synthesis of Biopolymer-Silver Nanocomposites for Gas Sensing
In this research work, a very simple, low cost eco-friendly method is presented for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles to be used in colorimetric optical sensors based on localized SPR (LSPR) measurement for gas ammonia. Silver nitrate salts are reduced using gaur gum which acts as a capping and reducing agent. Commonly used reducing agents such as trisodium citrate or sodium borohydride are replaced by a more environmental friendly natural polysaccharide. Nanocomposite films of ~ 1.5 μm thicknesses were fabricated using Gaur Gum and silver nanoparticles. The uniformity of nanoparticles size was measured by SEM and TEM, while face centred cubic structure of crystalline silver nanoparticles was characterized using the X-ray diffraction technique. The optical properties of the composite film were tested by UV-VIS Spectroscopy. The formation of Gaur Gum/silver nanocomposite films was confirmed using SEM images. Also the resistivity of nanocomposite thin film was measured which could be then used for gas sensing application.