Green synthesis of Cerium oxide Nanoparticles by Hibiscus sabdariffa flower natural extract: Main physical properties
7th World Nano Conference
June 20-21, 2016 Cape Town, South Africa

Z Kweyama, N Thovhogi, B.Kibirige and M Maaza

University of South Africa, South Africa
iThemba LABS, South Africa
University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Nanomed Nanotechnol

Abstract:

This contribution reports on the synthesis and the main physical properties of Cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles synthesized by a completely green chemistry process using hibiscus sabdariffa flower natural extract as an effective chelating agent. The biosynthesized CeO2 nanoparticles were found to be as small as 3.9 nm in diameter. Their morphological, structural and optical properties of such nanoparticles were analyzed by High resolution Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Electron Dispersive X-rays Spectroscopy (EDS), X-Rays Diffraction (XRD), Infrared (ATR-FTIR), Raman and X-Rays Photoelectron Spectroscopy(XPS).

Biography :

Z. kweyama is MSc fellow from University of Zululand under the National Research Foundation (NRF)/MANUS/MATSCI program. She is doing her research under the NRF/iThemba LABS Material Research Department. Her research interest is in material science, synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials. Dr N. Thovhogi is a Research fellow under UNESCO UNISA African Chair in Nanosciences & Nanotechnology and iThemba LABS, with expertise in green synthesis or biosynthesis of various nanomaterials. Dr B. Kibirige from University of Zululand is an expert in Material Sciences and she is a fellow in South African Institute of Physics. Prof. M. Maaza holds the UNESCO UNISA African Chair in Nanosciences & Nanotechnology. He is an expert in nanophotonics and materials at nanoscale.

Email: zamavezi@tlabs.ac.za