Effect of Gamma-irradiation on biosynthesized gold nanoparticles using Chenopodium murale leaf extract

Eco-friendly synthesized gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) were successfully prepared via facile biosynthesis of Chenopodium murale (C. murale) leaf extract. Biosynthesized Au NPs were characterized by Ultraviolet/Visible spectroscopy (UV/vis.), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The study was extended to retrace the effect of different gamma irradiation doses on the size of prepared NPs. UV/vis. spectra showed a single peak at 531 nm attributed to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak of Au NPs. The blue shift of SPR peak after irradiation process indicated that gamma irradiation could be utilized as size control partner. Transmission electron micrographs (TEM) showed a decrease in the size of Au NPs and a narrow size distribution with an increase in the gamma irradiation dose. Results of TEM were coinciding with those obtained from UV/vis. spectra. Bragg reflections in X-ray diffraction analysis and diffraction pattern of TEM confirmed the presence of face-centered cubic (FCC) Au NPs with (1 1 1), (2 0 0), (2 2 0), and (3 1 1) reflection planes. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis revealed the physical and chemical complexation of gold with extract. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic analysis (EDAX) confirmed the presence and biosynthesis of Au NPs.