Synthesis of nanoparticles basically needs a metallic ion (Ag+) and a reducing agent (sodium citrate) for reduction of metallic ion to Neutral Ag. In chemical synthesis, the use of synthetic chemicals cost high and not environmental friendly. after the synthesis of Nano particles it produces many harmful chemicals. In order to make nanoparticle a cost effective and environmentally sound method, green synthesis is prioritized. In green synthesis we use the plant or animal extracts as a reducing agents for nanoparticle synthesis. The plant and animal extracts are not so expensive to use because we can use the west products of plant materials like peels of vegetables or fruits (E.g. -Pomegranate peels) and also it does not produce any harmful chemicals after synthesis. Also there are other advantages of using green method of synthesis of nanoparticles.

Hope you question is somehow answered.

Thank You

Rotimi Larayetan

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Hello Rotimi,

many thanks for sharing this very interesting and fundamental question with the RG community. In addition to the helpul literature references provided by Yuri there is a large body of relevant literature available even right here on RG. Just search RG for terms like "green synthesis of nanoparticles" and then click on "Publications". You will be surprised to see how many articles about this topic have already been posted by RG members, many of them even as public full texts:

https://www.researchgate.net/search.Search.html?type=publication&query=green%20synthesis%20of%20nanoparticles

To give you a more general answer to your question, "green synthesis" of nanoparticles often refers to the use of environmentally benign plant extracts in combination with silver and gold (and other metals). The magic word in this case is "reduction". As you know, many plants are valued for their content of antioxidants such as polyphenols. When a compound is an antioxidant, this also means that it s a reducing agent. This is the reason why plant extracts are able to reduce Ag+ and Au3+ salts under formation of Ag and Au nanoparticles.

Good luck with your work and best wishes, Frank Edelmann