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Experimental and computational study of ecofriendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles from natural extracts: Self-controlled nucleation and growth, and colorimetric detection of heavy metal ions

Wonglakhon T, Jommala N, Laksee S, Nuengmatcha P, Ninwong B, Zahn D, Thepchuay Y (2025)

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Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

Book Volume: 68

Article Number: 106618

DOI: 10.1016/j.surfin.2025.106618

Abstract

We present an ecofriendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the husk extract of Nypa fruticans, a largely unexploited biowaste, for effective colorimetric detection of heavy metal ions in aqueous solutions. Our one-step synthesis produces well-dispersed, highly stable AgNPs with an average size of ∼4 nm, as determined by transmission electron microscopy. The compounds in the extract act as both reducing and stabilizing agents, facilitating self-controlled nucleation and growth, as supported by molecular simulations. The synthesized AgNPs were further characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and zeta potential measurements. Under optimized conditions, the AgNPs exhibit high selectivity toward Fe²⁺ ions, producing a distinct dark brown color that can be observed by the naked eye, while showing almost no response to other tested heavy metal ions. The calibration curve for the Fe²⁺ detection showed excellent linearity (r² = 0.9959) with a detection limit of 0.24 ppm. Additionally, the AgNPs demonstrated excellent (> 94 %) Fe²⁺ recovery in real water samples. Through quantum chemical calculations and molecular dynamics simulations, we provided atomic-level insights into the mechanisms of Fe²⁺ detection. This present work thus highlights the potential of biomass extracts for green nanomaterial synthesis and environmental applications.

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How to cite

APA:

Wonglakhon, T., Jommala, N., Laksee, S., Nuengmatcha, P., Ninwong, B., Zahn, D., & Thepchuay, Y. (2025). Experimental and computational study of ecofriendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles from natural extracts: Self-controlled nucleation and growth, and colorimetric detection of heavy metal ions. Surfaces and Interfaces, 68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surfin.2025.106618

MLA:

Wonglakhon, Tanakorn, et al. "Experimental and computational study of ecofriendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles from natural extracts: Self-controlled nucleation and growth, and colorimetric detection of heavy metal ions." Surfaces and Interfaces 68 (2025).

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