Synthesis and characterization of AgNP:ZrO₂ functional nanomaterials by leaf extract assisted bioreduction process

Silver nanoparticle functionalized nanocrystalline ZrO₂ was fabricated by using Anacardium occidentale leaf extract assisted bioreduction process at ambient conditions. Introducing A. occidentale leaf extract into an aqueous mixture of silver nitrate and ZrO₂ particles caused the speedy reduction of the silver ions and efficiently lead to their nucleation as highly stable, silver nanoparticles on the ZrO₂ surface. A reaction mechanism for the fabrication of functional interfaces was developed to illustrate this process. SEM-EDS and TEM investigations, together with UV-vis spectroscopy, confirmed the formation of 5-20 nm silver nanoparticles on the surfaces of ZrO₂ particles. Further, the X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the phase pure face-centered cubic (fcc) crystal structure of silver nanoparticles formed on the surface of ZrO₂ particles. Increasing concentration of leaf extract in the reaction mixture caused the rapid reduction of silver ions and inhibits the formation of silver nanoparticles over the surface of ZrO₂ particles significantly.