Tailoring the catalytic activity of Au nanoparticles synthesized by a naturally occurring green multifunctional agent

Abstract

We have developed a reliable, cost-effective and environment friendly sonochemical synthetic protocol for Au nanoparticles with finely tuned structural properties using Burmese grape (Baccaurea ramiflora Lour.; Family: Phyllanthaceae) fruit juice as a green multifunctional agent (GMA). These nanoparticles showed effective catalytic activity toward the hydride transfer reduction of different classes of nitroaromatics. The biomolecules present in the GMA played dual role as reducing as well as stabilizing agent in the present protocol. Moreover, the surface adsorbed biomolecules (in their oxidized forms) imparted characteristic fluorescence activity to the synthesized nanoparticles. This phenomenon was further explored to understand the role of GMA in tailoring the morphology and hence catalytic activity of the Au nanoparticles synthesized at different pH conditions. Keywords: Au NPs, Baccauria ramiflora Lour. fruit, Catalytic activity, Fluorescence activity, NaBH4 reduction, Nitroaromatics