Title: Green synthesis and characterisation of silver nanocomposites and nanoparticles derived from banana leaves

Authors: Matthew N. Abonyi; Chukwunonso O. Aniagor; Christopher C. Obi; Emmanuel C. Nwadike

Addresses: Department of Chemical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria ' Department of Chemical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria ' Department of Polymer Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria; Department of Chemical and Biomoleculer Engineering, North Carolina State University, North Carolina, USA ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria

Abstract: This study investigates the synthesis and characterisation of banana nanoparticles (BNPs) and banana nanocomposites (BNCs) for diverse applications. Silver nanoparticles and nanocomposites were produced via a green synthesis method involving silver nitrate and banana leaf extract. The synthesised banana leaf nanoparticles (BNPs) and nanocomposites (BNCs) were characterised using various techniques, including Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area measurement, and dynamic light scattering particle size analysis (DLS). Phytochemical analysis revealed the significant presence of flavonoids in BNPs and BNCs, highlighting banana leaves as promising precursors for silver nanoparticle-based bio composites. Semi-quantitative elemental analysis via energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed nanoparticle formation, while dynamic light scattering (DLS) and BET analysis revealed their mesoporous nature and high surface area. BNPs and BNCs exhibit promising adsorption capabilities suitable for applications in environmental remediation and catalysis. The pore volumes and diameters were observed, with BNPs and BNCs demonstrating single-point and multipoint BET surface areas of 299.7 m²/g, 423.0 m²/g, 293.6 m²/g, and 533.9 m²/g, respectively. Overall, this study emphasises the potential of BNPs and BNCs, highlighting the importance of understanding their structural properties for optimising performance in specific applications.

Keywords: green energy; nanoparticle; nanocomposite; banana; silver nitrate.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGE.2024.142407

International Journal of Green Economics, 2024 Vol.18 No.4, pp.410 - 423

Received: 29 Apr 2023
Accepted: 13 Aug 2024
Published online: 29 Oct 2024 *

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