Plant mediated synthesis of copper nanoparticles by using Camelia sinensis leaves extract and their applications in dye degradation.

In the present study, we have developed a green, facile, eco-friendly and cost-effective approach for the synthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) from copper salt (CuCl) solution by using Camelia sinensis leaf extract. The biomolecules present in C. sinensis leaves extract were responsible for the reduction and stabilization of CuNPs. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by using FT-IR, SEM, TEM and EDX analysis. FT-IR analysis was used to ratify the presence of biomolecules in C. sinensis leaves extract, while SEM and TEM analysis showed that the synthesized nanoparticles are in agglomerated form and having an average size of 60 ± 6 nm. The percentage weight of synthesized nanoparticles was measured through EDX analysis. Moreover, the photocatalytic degradation of synthesized CuNPs was also evaluated by using bromophenol blue (BPB) dye under sunlight irradiation. The maximum photo-degradation of BPB dye was up to 83.7%. UV-Vis spectral analysis of CuNPs proved them as an efficient photocatalyst in dye degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]