In this study, we report a fast and eco-friendly method employing the use of sun dried leaves extract of Kalanchoe pinnata (SDKP) for sunlight induced phyto-synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Aqueous extract of SDKP was produced and subjected to phytochemical investigations for determination of alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, steroids, glycosides and saponin. Sunlight induced green synthesis of silver nanoparticles was performed by treating the aqueous extract with silver nitrate in different ratios. The reaction was optimized by varying reaction time, temperature. The silver nanoparticles produced were subjected to physicochemical characterization in terms of UVVis Spectroscopic studies, Fourier Transform Infra Red spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscope, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), Particle Size Analysis (PS), X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD), X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD), Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. Silver nitrate solution (6 mM) and aqueous extract of SDKP (4% w/v) produced silver nanoparticles of desired properties. The rate of reduction was accelerated within 10 min when the mixture was irradiated with sunlight. This green synthesis was performed at normal pH and room temperature. Silver nanoparticles bear the desired physicochemical properties in terms of optical, structural, thermal and photocatalytic properties. The study provides herein a green approach utilizing sunlight for development of silver nanoparticles using bioactive SKDP plant extract envisages potentiating of therapeutic efficiency of silver nanoparticles. The green approach for development of silver nanoparticles as discussed herein suggests it’s applicability for synthesis of other metallic particles.
