Functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes with silver nanoparticles using Tecoma stans leaf extract

Bioreduction mechanism of Tecoma stans leaf extract for the extracellular synthesis of silver nanoparticles was investigated using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV–vis). Nanostructure of the bio synthesized silver particles was confirmed by transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analysis. Crystalline cubic phase of the synthesized silver nanoparticles was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Observed rapid reduction behavior of Tecoma stans leaf extract was effectively explored for the functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) with silver nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and TEM characterization confirmed the functionalization of single walled carbon nanotubes with the silver nanoparticles and the size of silver nanoparticles were found to be in the range of ∼5–10 nm.