Nanoparticles are known to exhibit interesting properties based on characteristics such as size and morphology which can prove useful for the field of material science. Metallic nanoparticles are typically synthesized using techniques that utilize toxic chemicals, which makes these synthesis methods less environmentally-friendly. In order to avoid unnecessary exposure to toxic chemicals and reduce harmful waste, green synthesis methods are becoming more and more popular in the field of nanotechnology. This work takes into consideration the importance of green synthesis, while developing a synthesis method that can produce little to no harmful waste. To make this synthesis a low-waste process, noble metal nanoparticles were synthesized using lab waste-products as reducing agents, nucleating agents, or capping agents to investigate their efficacy. Specifically, waste-products including spent coffee and coffee grounds from food chemistry studies were sourced as lab waste and tested for this work.The resulting nanoparticles were analyzed using UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and electron microscopy to examine the size and morphology of the nanoparticles. The resulting nanoparticles were then compared to noble metal nanoparticles produced by a typical wet bench synthesis using sodium borohydride as a reducing agent. Results demonstrate the suitability of food chemistry waste as a sustainable replacement for typical reducing, nucleating, and/or capping agents which may be harsh or toxic to the environment.

Green synthesis methods of silver nanoparticles using lab waste-products

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.