Biosynthesis and Characterization of Copper Nanoparticles Using a Bioflocculant Extracted from Alcaligenis faecalis HCB2
Bioflocculant from Alcaligenis faecalis HCB2 was used in the eco-friendly synthesis of the copper nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-visible spectroscopy, thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). The transmission electron microscopy images showed close to spherical shapes with an average particle size of ∼53 nm. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of the Cu nanopartilces and also the other elements such as O, C, P, Ca, Cl, Na, K, Mg, and S originated from the bioflocculant. FT-IR results showed the presence of the –OH and –NH2 groups, aliphatic bonds, amide and Cu–O bonds. Powder X-ray diffraction peaks confirmed the presence of (111) and (220) planes of fcc structure at 2 of 33° and 47° respectively with no other impurity peaks.