Synthesis of silver nanoparticles by radiolysis, photolysis and chemical reduction of AgNO3 in Hibiscus sabdariffa infusion (karkade´)

Silver nanoparticles of different average diameters were synthesized by c-radiolysis, UV-photolysis and chemical reduction of AgNO3 solutions in Hibiscus sabdariffa infusion commonly known as ''karkade´''. The UV-photolysis was performed either by using a conventional Hg low pressure lamp emitting at 254 nm and also by using a new compact UV-LED source emitting at 360 nm. The kinetics rate constant of silver nanoparticles synthesis produced by c-radiolysis and UV photolysis were determined and the average diameter of the resulting nanoparticles was estimated.