GREEN-SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATIO OF COPPER NANOPARTICLES USING BASIL (OCIMUM SANCTUM LINN) LEAF EXTRACT AS A SUSTAINABLE BIOREDUCTANT

Abstract

Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) have attracted significant attention due to their potential applications in health, catalysis, and functional materials. This study aimed to synthesize copper nanoparticles through an environmentally friendly green synthesis approach using aqueous basil leaf extract (Ocimum sanctum Linn) as a bioreductant. The biosynthesis process was carried out using five precursor-to-extract ratios, namely 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, and 1:5. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Visible spectrophotometry and Scanning Electron Microscopy–Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The UV-Vis analysis showed that the optimum synthesis condition was obtained at a ratio of 1:4 with the highest absorbance value of 4.171 A, indicating effective formation of copper nanoparticles. SEM analysis revealed agglomerated nanoparticles with the smallest particle size of 5.63 nm. EDS characterization confirmed the presence of Cu as the main element along with other elements such as C, O, Cl, S, Na, and Ca originating from basil leaf secondary metabolites. The findings demonstrate that basil leaf extract has strong potential as an effective and eco-friendly natural bioreductant for copper nanoparticle synthesis