Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles for Thermal Energy Storage Applications: A Novel Method Using Grewia Asiatica L. Fruit Extract

Abstract

Introduction: Today's necessity and enormous applications of nano-particles continuously persuade researchers to find out novel, non-toxic, eco-friendly, and cost-effective synthesis protocols. Metallic Nanoparticles due to their high thermal conductivity are extremely useful to mix with Phase Change materials to enhance the effective thermal conductivity of thermal energy storage for different applications.

Methods: In this article, we report a novel method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) by using the fruit extract of Grewia Asiatica L. These phytosynthesized silver nanoparticles were then characterized and examined using Ultraviolet-Visual Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy techniques for their analysis.

Results: The size of phytosynthesized Ag NPs was found almost spherical in shape and have a diameter of ~ 180 nm. In addition to thermal energy storage applications, synthesized Ag NPs may also find potential applications in the field of drug delivery, bio-imaging, and thermal coolant owing to the known properties of Grewia Asiatica L. Fruit and Ag NPs.

Conclusions: Silver nanoparticles are of much importance in thermal energy storage applications and such cost-effective methods can make the mixing of nanoparticles in PCM commercially viable. Further, these nano-particles may find potential applications in the field of bio-imaging, drug delivery, and biosensors.