Abstract
Exploring biomaterials/molecules as a reducing/capping agent for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles has set a new trend in green nanotechnology with improved environmental safety. Herein, a facile, one-pot, and green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was achieved using Panax ginseng root extract that was obtained from the root powder as a cost-effective and environment friendly biomaterial. Optical, functional, and morphological characteristics of the synthesized AgNPs were determined using ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), Fourier transfoHn infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometers, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The synthesized AgNPs were used for the detection of Hg2+ by obtaining the absorption spectrum of the compound as a function of Hg(2+)concentration, which resulted in a decrease in absorption peak intensity with a slight blue shift. The AgNP solution decolored upon dissolution due to the formation of an Ag-Hg amalgam. The sensing characteristics were found to be linear when tested from 10 mu M to 1 mM Hg2+ concentration and the detection limit was estimated as 5 mu M. To check the selectivity of the sensor towards Hg2+, the sensor response was measured for different heavy metals such as K+, Na+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Ca2+, Zn2+, Mg2+, and Mn2+, at 10 mM concentrations.