Green Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Using Cuscuta refelxa and Their Characterization by UV, IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, and DLS

Abstract

In recent years, the green synthesis of metal nanoparticles using plant extracts has gained significant attention because it is simple, easy to handle, eco-friendly, and cost-effective compared with conventional chemical methods. In the present study, copper nanoparticles were synthesized using the aqueous extract of Cuscuta reflexa. The phytochemicals present in the plant extract act as natural reducing as well as stabilizing agents during the formation of nanoparticles. The synthesis process was indicated by a visible change in the color of the reaction mixture, suggesting the reduction of copper ions into copper nanoparticles. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized using various analytical techniques to confirm their formation and properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the crystalline nature of the synthesized copper nanoparticles. The surface morphology and size distribution of the nanoparticles were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). UV– Visible spectroscopy was used to monitor the formation of nanoparticles through the characteristic absorption peak. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy helped to identify the functional groups of plant biomolecules involved in the reduction and stabilization process. In addition, dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis was used to determine the particle size distribution and stability of the nanoparticles in suspension. The results clearly indicate that Cuscuta reflexa extract can be effectively used for the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles with welldefined structural and morphological properties. This plant-mediated method provides a simple and environmentally friendly approach for the preparation of copper nanoparticles, which may have potential applications in various fields such as biomedical, catalytic, and environmental studies.