Green synthesis and characterization of silver (Ag) nanoparticles: Crystallographic analysis from X-ray diffraction

This work investigated the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles with an eye toward environmental sustainability. Numerous reducing agents have been explored by researchers worldwide to produce silver nanoparticles; in this work, dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) was exploited as a reducing agent. Precursor material (AgNO 3 ) was blended with Hylocereus polyrhizus extract, and the pH was altered (with NaOH) to facilitate nanoparticle production. Later, the synthesized nanoparticles were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) (reflection at 2θ=38.24, 44.38, and 64.59) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) (absorption peak at 406.9 cm -1 ). Several XRD models for estimating crystallite size, namely the Linear Straight-line method of Scherrer equation (LSLMSE), Scherrer equation, Sahadat-Scherrer Model, Monshi-Scherrer equation, Williamson-Hall method [Uniform Stress Deformation Model (USDM), Uniform Deformation Model (UDM), Uniform Deformation Energy Density Model (UDEDM)], Halder-Wagner method, and Size-strain plot method (SSP) were explored along with stress, lattice strain and lattice energy density. Crystallite sizes computed from these models were 3-64 nm, and strain was -0.0013. Rietveld refinement revealed that the maximum phase percentage (97.4%) was silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), with the remaining 2.6% being Ag 2 O. In the end, the functional groups of the synthesized silver nanoparticles were determined by FTIR spectrum analysis. • Dragon fruit extract was chosen as a reducing agent for silver nanoparticle synthesis • A detailed analysis of XRD was performed including models of crystallite size calculation • Strain, stress and energy density were also estimated form XRD data • FTIR analysis was also performed • Rietveld refinement showed 97.4 % Ag and 2.6% Ag 2 O