GREEN SYNTHESIZED SILVER NANOPARTICLES DERIVED FROM AN EXTRACT OF THE BETULA PENDULA TREE

This is a first report for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using branch extract of Betula pendula - one of the most common trees in Europe, China and southwest Asia. The present study is dealing with ecofriendly green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the aqueous extract of branches from B. pendula tree. The reaction mixture contained only the extract (10 or 25 % of the total volume of the reaction mixture) from the branches and the source of silver ion without the addition of any catalyst, surfactant or template. The biosynthesis was carried out at room temperature for 24 hours. The described method is perfectly green, simple, coast-effective and eco-friendly. Reducing substance from birch branches are purely natural and can be obtained simply without damaging the tree. The AgNPs were characterized by UV-vis., DLS and TEM. Surface plasmon spectra for AgNPs are centered at 430-436 nm. The synthesized AgNPs were found to be spherical in shape with size 22.7 +/- 6.9 nm and 25.2 +/- 7.5 nm, respectively for a reaction mixture containing 10 or 25 % of the extract. Biomolecules from branches acted as a reducing agent as well as stabilizer. Common green synthesis uses "green" parts of plants, especially leaves or fruits. It should be noted that in countries with alternating seasons, leaves are not available throughout the year. Branches, on the other hand, are available all year round and their composition is constant regardless of the season.