Synthesis of platinum nanoparticles using dried Anacardium occidentale leaf and its catalytic and thermal applications

•Dried leaf powder of Anacardium occidentale is used for the synthesis.•The nanoparticles are found to be irregular rod shaped.•Hydroxyl reduction followed by protein stabilization is suggested.•Catalytic activity is demonstrated using 4-nitrophenol.•Enhancement of thermal conductivity is observed using the colloid.

An environment friendly approach for the synthesis of Pt nanoparticles (NPs) using dried leaf powder of Anacardium occidentale is reported. The formation of Pt NPs is monitored using UV–Vis spectrophotometer. FTIR spectra reveal that proteins are bound to Pt nanoparticles. TEM images show irregular rod shaped particles which are crystalline. The quantity of leaf powder plays a vital role in determining the size of particles. Synthesized NPs exhibit good catalytic activity in the reduction of aromatic nitrocompound. The effective thermal conductivity of synthesized Pt/water nanofluid has been measured and found to be enhanced to a good extent.

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