One-step novel synthesis of alginate-based SeNPs of cluster beans by reduction of Se(IV) by vitamin C in aqueous media

Abstract

Alginate powder was applied as stabilizer and capping agent surfactant in green synthesis of SeNPs of cluster shapes for the first time by reduction of Se (IV) with vitamin C. The naked eyes observations noticed a rapid change in color of Se (IV) solution from colorless to bright crimson aggregates as just the solution gets in contact with added mixture of vitamin C and alginate of powder natures then is rapidly turned to a reddish-pink aggregate. The formed aggregate was converted into violet crystals by aging or heating. In absence of vitamin C, addition of alginate powder to Se (IV) electrolyte whilst stirring the mixture leads to the formation of a precipitate of granule grains nature. The FTIR, XRD and SEM and TEM investigations indicated the formation of SeNPs of cluster beans for the crystals and alginate-based Se (IV) complex for the granule grains, respectively. The complex was invested for evaluation the alginate capacity for removal of Se (IV) ions from aqueous solutions and was found to be 63.66 mg/g at 25 °C. Some kinetic runs were performed to gain some information on growth rates of SeNPs formation in terms of electron-transfer pathway in the rate-determining step.

Keywords: Alginate capacity; Green synthesis; Selenium nanoparticles.