Ceremai Leaf Extract Enables Green Production of Silver–Zinc Oxide Nanocomposites
Researchers from Mulawarman University in Indonesia have successfully developed an environmentally friendly method to produce silver–zinc oxide (Ag/ZnO) nanocomposites using ceremai leaf extract. The study, conducted by Mega Silvia Dewi, Noor Hindryawati, and Subur P. Pasaribu and published in 2026, highlights a safer and more sustainable approach to nanomaterial synthesis with promising applications in health and environmental technologies.
The research matters because conventional nanomaterial production often relies on hazardous chemicals. By replacing these with plant-based extracts, the team demonstrates how local natural resources can support cleaner industrial processes while maintaining high material performance.
Why Nanocomposites Matter Today
Nanotechnology continues to drive innovation across industries, from medicine to environmental engineering. Materials at the nanoscale—typically between 1 and 100 nanometers—exhibit unique properties, including enhanced reactivity and improved light absorption.
Zinc oxide (ZnO) is widely used as a semiconductor material, especially in photocatalysis and antibacterial applications. However, its effectiveness is limited because it primarily responds to ultraviolet (UV) light. This restricts its performance under natural sunlight, where visible light dominates.
To overcome this limitation, researchers often combine ZnO with silver (Ag). Silver nanoparticles can extend light absorption into the visible spectrum and improve antibacterial activity. The challenge has been to produce such composites without harmful chemicals—a gap this study addresses using ceremai (Phyllanthus acidus) leaves.
Simple Green Method Using Plant Extracts
The research team used a “green synthesis” approach, relying on natural compounds found in ceremai leaves. The leaves were collected in East Kalimantan, cleaned, dried, and processed into a fine powder before being extracted with warm water.
Laboratory tests confirmed that the extract contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds—natural substances capable of reducing metal ions and stabilizing nanoparticles.
- The synthesis process followed several straightforward steps:
- Ceremai leaf extract was diluted and mixed with a silver nitrate solution to form silver nanoparticles
- A zinc precursor solution was added to introduce ZnO
- Sodium hydroxide was used to adjust the mixture’s acidity, enabling nanocomposite formation
- The material was then washed, dried, and heated to produce a solid Ag/ZnO nanocomposite
The process avoids toxic reducing agents and demonstrates how plant-based chemistry can replace conventional industrial methods.
Key Findings: Stable and Nanoscale Materials
The resulting nanocomposite showed stable and measurable characteristics across multiple tests. Key findings include:
- Formation of Ag/ZnO nanocomposites at wavelengths between 370–385 nm
- Stability maintained for up to six days without significant degradation
- Zinc oxide particle sizes mostly ranged from 116.52 to 134.87 nanometers
- Average ZnO particle size measured 145.45 ± 25.95 nm
- Silver nanoparticles were significantly smaller, ranging from 3.58 to 8.41 nm
- Average silver nanoparticle size measured 7.25 ± 3.73 nm
Microscopic analysis revealed that ZnO forms the main structural matrix, while silver nanoparticles are distributed across its surface. Although some particle clustering (agglomeration) was observed, the overall structure remained stable.
Further analysis confirmed that ZnO exhibits a hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure, while silver forms a face-centered cubic (FCC) structure. This combination indicates successful integration of both materials into a single nanocomposite system.
Real-World Applications and Impact
The Ag/ZnO nanocomposite developed in this study has strong potential across multiple sectors:
- Environmental protection: Improved photocatalytic performance can help break down pollutants in water and air
- Healthcare: Enhanced antibacterial properties make it suitable for medical coatings and antimicrobial surfaces
- Energy technology: Expanded light absorption supports solar-driven processes
- Industrial materials: Safer production methods align with green manufacturing standards
By using ceremai leaf extract, the method also reduces production costs and environmental risks. This makes it particularly relevant for developing countries seeking sustainable technological solutions.
Noor Hindryawati of Mulawarman University emphasized that natural extracts can play a dual role in nanotechnology. She explains that ceremai leaf compounds act not only as reducing agents but also as stabilizers, simplifying the synthesis process while minimizing environmental impact.
Author Profiles
- Mega Silvia Dewi – Researcher in chemistry and nanomaterials, Mulawarman University
- Noor Hindryawati, M.Si. – Lecturer and researcher in chemistry at Mulawarman University, specializing in green synthesis and nanotechnology
- Subur P. Pasaribu – Academic researcher in material chemistry, Mulawarman University
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