Temperature Controlled Evolution of Silver Polypods from Biomass Encapsulated Nano-Droplets.

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Biosynthesis of nanoparticles offers a sustainable alternative to chemical methods.
• Fungal biosynthesis using Penicillium species is a developing area for nanomaterial production.
• Controlling nanoparticle morphology is crucial for tailored applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel biosynthesis technique for silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the fungus Penicillium purpurogenum NPMF.
• To investigate the effect of heat treatment and carbon encapsulation on AgNP formation and morphology.
• To elucidate the formation mechanism of various silver nanostructures, including polypods.

Main Methods:

• Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using fungal biomass of Penicillium purpurogenum.
• Heat treatment of fungal biomass up to 700 °C and above.
• Characterization using micro-Raman analysis and differential thermo gravimetric analysis.
• Analysis of silver nanostructure formation based on free energy diagrams.

Main Results:

• Silver nanoparticles were successfully synthesized via biosynthesis using fungal biomass.
• Heat treatment up to 700 °C facilitated AgNP formation with carbon encapsulation.
• Temperatures above 700 °C led to the formation of complex silver nanostructures like tetrapods and polypods due to reduced carbon encapsulation.
• Micro-Raman and DTA analyses supported the formation of mesoporous carbon and energy release during AgNP formation.

Conclusions:

• The study presents a novel, heat-assisted biosynthesis route for producing diverse silver nanostructures.
• Carbon encapsulation and free energy minimization dynamics play a key role in governing the morphology of AgNPs.
• The findings provide insights into the controlled synthesis of functionalized silver nanostructures for potential applications.