Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Mushroom Species, Their Characterization and Catalytic Activity

Abstract

Present investigation reports the extracellular synthesis of silver nanoparticles by green, low cost and simple method using naturally grown mushroom species (Agaricus species). The colour of the reaction medium was changed from colourless to brown within 10 h indicated the formation of silver nanoparticles. The prepared silver nanoparticles were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, particle size analyzer and zeta potential. The SPR peak in UV-spectrophotometer was recorded at 419 nm which confirms the formation of silver nanoparticles. The bands appeared in FTIR spectra showed the presence of possible biomolecules responsible for the reduction of silver ions. Particle size analyzer measured the average size in the range between 20 nm and 50 nm. The negative value of the zeta potential recommends the stability of the prepared silver nanoparticles. The formed silver nanoparticles were evaluated for their catalytic activity for the reduction of methylene blue by NaBH₄ and exhibit the reduction in 5 min. Therefore, the prepared silver nanoparticles played significant role in the maintenance of environment.