Facile one-step green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using Citrus maxima aqueous extracts and its catalytic activity

Abstract A low cost eco-friendly method for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using Citrus maxima (C. maxima) fruit extracts was reported. The nanoparticles obtained were characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopies (FTIR) analysis. The synthesized AuNPs using 50% concentration of C. maxima fruit extracts were characterized by a peak at 535 nm in the UV–vis spectrum. The mean particle size for AuNPs was observed to be 25.7±10 nm. FTIR spectrum indicated that C. maxima fruit had the ability to perform dual functions of reduction and stabilization of AuNPs. The synthesized AuNPs also showed the good catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol by excess NaBH4.