A facile green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Piper betle biomass and its catalytic activity toward sensitive and selective nitrite detection

A facile, one-pot and environmental benign method exploiting Piper betle biomass as a reducing and stabilizing agent was proposed for the preparation of silver (Ag) nanoparticles. The Ag nanoparticles prepared from dried Piper betle leaves extract exhibited unique spherical configuration and face-centered-cubic structure with preferred (1 1 1) orientation. The fabricated Ag/GCE sensor exhibited an exceptional electrocatalytic activity toward NO₂^- oxidation with a quick response time, high sensitivity and lower detection limit of 10 s, 1642.27 μAm M^-1 cm^-2 and 0.046 μM, respectively. Furthermore, the constructed sensor exhibited long-term stability and excellent anti-interference properties, paving new dimensions for the utilization of bio-mediated nanocatalysts in electrochemical sensors.