Sunlight irradiation induced green synthesis of stable silver nanoparticles using citrus limon extract

In the present study, silver nanoparticles were rapidly synthesized photochemically by treating silver ions with lemon (Citrus limon) extract utilizing solar radiation. The effect of time period of the day on reaction rate and nanoparticle formation was investigated in details. In the standardized process, 10-2 M silver nitrate solution was interacted for 20 min with lemon juice (2 % citric acid and 0.5 % ascorbic acid concentration) in the ratio of 1:4 (vol:vol) in the presence of sunlight. Silver nanoparticles below 50 nm with spherical and spheroidal shape were observed under electron microscopic analysis. The authors have hereby developed an energy efficient bio-based synthesis process which produces silver nanoparticles rapidly. © 2013 The National Academy of Sciences, India.