Sonochemical Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles using Lactose as the Reducing Agent

Abstract

The present study focuses on the exploration of a synthetic procedure for the preparation of green silver nanoparticles. Using lactose as the reducing agent, the reaction mixture containing the silver precursor was exposed to ultrasonic irradiation at ambient temperature and conditions. To optimize the synthesis, the pH levels and concentration of lactose were varied. Using lactose at acidic level, no silver nanoparticles were produced since there was no color change observed after the sonication. On the other hand, silver nanoparticles were produced using alkaline lactose solutions as evidenced by the formation of yellow-colored products. Infrared spectrometry revealed the functional groups responsible for the reduction and capping of the nanoparticles. The sonochemical route provided a synthetic strategy for the production of quality nanoparticles with potential chemical and biological activities.