Green Synthesis and Characterization of metallic Nanoparticles Using Plant Leaf Extract

The present study focuses on the green synthesis of copper metallic nanoparticles using the leaf extract of plant. Biological synthesis of nanoparticles has gained significant attention in recent years due to its eco-friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable approach in the field of nanotechnology. Morinda citrifolia is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments such as arthritis, cancer, gastric ulcers, and cardiovascular diseases. In this study, copper nitrate (Cu(NO₃)₂) were used as precursor salts for the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles. The formation of nanoparticles was indicated by a visible colour change in the reaction mixture from green to dark brown due to the excitation of electrons and changes in the electronic energy levels of the metal nanoparticles. The physicochemical properties of nanoparticles such as shape, size, surface charge, and surface area play a vital role in determining their mechanical, optical, magnetic, and chemical properties. The biosynthesized nanoparticles were characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, particle size analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). UV–visible spectroscopic analysis confirmed the formation of copper– metallic core–shell nanoparticles with an absorption peak at around 250 nm. The observed colour change and spectral analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of nanoparticles, demonstrating that Morinda citrifolia leaf extract acts as an effective reducing and stabilizing agent for the eco-friendly synthesis of metallic nanoparticles.