Green Synthesis of Hydroxyethyl Cellulose-Stabilized Silver Nanoparticles

Green synthesis aims to minimize the use of unsafe reactants and maximize the efficiency of synthesis process. These could be achieved by using environmentally compassionate polymers and nontoxic chemicals. Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), an ecofriendly polymer, was used as both reducing and stabilizing agents in the synthesis of stable silver nanoparticles, while silver nitrate was used as a precursor and water as a solvent. The formation of silver nanoparticles was assessed by monitoring UV-vis spectra of the silver colloidal solution. The size of the nanoparticles was measured using transmission electron microscope (TEM). Reaction kinetics was followed by measuring the absorbance of silver colloidal solution at different time intervals. Optimum reaction conditions revealed that the highest absorbance was obtained using HEC : AgNO3 of 1.5 : 0.17 (g/100 cm3) at 70°C for 120 min at pH 12. The Ag0 nanoparticles colloidal solution so obtained (1000 ppm) were found stable in aqueous solution over a period of six months at room temperature (°C). The sizes of these nanoparticles were found in the range of 11–60 nm after six months of storing. FTIR spectra confirmed the interaction of both the aldehyde and OH groups in the synthesis and stabilization of silver nanoparticles