Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using sugarcane leaves extract for colorimetric detection of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is carried out using silver nitrate as a silver precursor and sugarcane leaves extract containing phenolic compound as reducing agents. Effect of sugarcane leaves extraction temperature, i.e., room temperature, 60 degrees and 90 degrees C on phenolic compound content was investigated. The characteristics of the as-synthesized AgNPs were studied by UV-Vis spectrophotometer, XRD, FTIR and TEM confirming the formation of AgNPs with an average particle size of 16.9 +/- 4.7 nm. The AgNPs were further evaluated as ammonia and hydrogen peroxide solution sensing. The results revealed that the developed AgNPs using green synthesis had an ability to detect hydrogen peroxide and ammonia for relatively low concentration which can be observed by both UV-Vis spectrophotometer and naked eye. Moreover, the results also revealed the detectability of AgNPs to those toxic agents after storage for 14 days. The results indicated that the green synthesis of AgNPs is value-added to the agricultural waste, for example, sugarcane leaves which can be further applied for bio-sensors of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide sensing.