Phytosynthesis and applications of bioactive SnO2 nanoparticles

A facile, eco-friendly, cost effective and versatile synthesis of SnO2 nanoparticles of size in the range 2.2–3.2 nm using fenugreek seeds is reported. The structural and morphological properties of SnO2 nanoparticles have been studied using X-ray diffraction, Transmission Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. UV–visible spectra show a blue shift of the absorption band arising from quantum size effect. Studies on thermal conductivity, viscosity, antibacterial and antioxidant properties of the synthesized SnO2 nanoparticles highlight the possible applications in nanofluids and biomedical field.