Asian Journal of Chemical Sciences

Environmentally friendly synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (NPs) has been achieved using aqueous extracts of Ocimum gratissimum leaf (scent leaf). The reduction of Cu²⁺ was followed by the change of color from green to dark brown color and formation of precipitate. The reaction was monitored by visual observation and characterization of copper nanoparticles using UV-Visible spectrophotometer and Fourier Transform Infrared spectrophotometery. UV-Visible spectra of the aqueous solution containing copper nanoparticles showed a peak at 240 nm corresponding to the surface plasmon resonance of copper oxide nanoparticles. FTIR spectra also confirmed the formation of the copper oxide NPs by the appearance of bands corresponding to Cu-O stretching frequency, and the presence of phytochemicals present in Ocimum gratissimum adsorbed on the surface of the copper oxide nanoparticles presents these nanoparticles as promising biological agents. This green synthesis method replaces the use of toxic chemicals with Ocimum gratissimum extract which play the roles of reducing, stabilizing and capping agents during the synthesis.