Critical role of neem and jujube extracts in stabilizing copper nanostructures: A comparative study in green synthesis of CuNSs

Copper nanostructures (CuNSs) have garnered significant attention for their unique properties, such as high tensile strength, stiffness, elevated surface area, toughness, flexibility, and malleability. Recently, there has been a growing focus on not only the performance of CuNSs but also on their green and sustainable production. This study highlights an eco-friendly approach to synthesizing CuNSs using plant extracts, offering a more sustainable alternative to conventional methods. The green synthesis using extracts from jujube and neem leaves reduces the reliance on harmful chemicals, ensuring environmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness. We utilized this method to transform metal salts into CuNSs with minimal environmental impact. The resulting nanostructures were characterized using various advanced analytical techniques, such as FT-IR, UV–Vis, Raman, DLS, EDS, XRD, TGA, SEM, and TEM. The comparison between jujube and neem-based nanostructures demonstrated that the functional groups in jujube offer greater stabilization, making them more suitable for sustainable applications. This work emphasizes the potential of green techniques in producing CuNSs, offering an environmentally conscious path forward in nanotechnology.