Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for optical and photocatalytic applications: a review

Nano-sized particles of silver (Ag) whose diameter falls within 1-100 nm range possess an exceptional physico-chemical, biological and antimicrobial properties. As a result of their unique properties, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been vigorously investigated. In the last decade, several trials have been made to heighten the green methods of formulating AgNPs to reduce the danger of the by-products from chemical methods. A clear understanding of AgNPs properties is absolutely necessary in order to make the best use of these nanoparticles in various fields, while their effect on man and environment is reduced to the least achievable. This review aims to discuss the green methods of preparing AgNPs and its numerous applications in the area of opto-electronics and environmental remediation. Many natural biomolecules in plants and microorganism were involved in formation, stabilization and bio-reduction of AgNPs. Over the years, several discoveries have reiterated that the catalytic and optical properties of AgNPs are dependent on the size, size-distribution and shape, which show variation by differing their synthetic approaches, stabilizers and reducing agents. In this review, silver nanoparticles have been reported to produce a desired result as a promising photocatalytic material and with a viable application in opto-electronic device. Thus silver nanoparticles are considered useful for having diverse range of applications for the benefits of man.