Abstract
In the present article, an effective, one-step, and environmentally benign protocol for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles has been discussed. The black cardamom extract is used as a reducing agent for HAuCl4.3H2O. In order to synthesize gold nanoparticles, an aqueous solution of HAuCl4.3H2O was mixed with an optimized concentration of black cardamom extract where 1,8-cineole is the dominant component. Choosing black cardamom extract as a reducing agent can be justified under the light of the fact that it has a very fast reducing ability. Gold nanoparticles with different shapes and sizes were synthesized by varying the ratio of AuCl4 ions to black cardamom extract. Kinetics of reactions has been evaluated through monitoring of surface plasmon behavior of gold nanoparticles as a function of time. Based on Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies, a tentative mechanism of reduction of Au nanoparticles has also been proposed which includes oxidation of 1,8-cineole to 2-oxo-1,8-cineole. Further, a comprehensive study to investigate the effect of pH on the synthesis of Au nanoparticles has been carried out.