Original research articleGreen synthesis and characterization of monodisperse gold nanoparticles using Ginkgo Biloba leaf extract

A simple, straightforward and eco-friendly approach for synthesis of well dispersed nano gold particles was reported. In the process, Ginkgo Biloba leaf extract was used as both reducing and stabilizing agent without addition of any other reducing and capping agent. The characterization and properties of prepared gold nanoparticles were measured by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy (UV-vis). The formation of gold nanoparticles was confirmed by change of color from light yellow to red, which was further proved by absorbance peak at 544.5 nm in UV-vis spectroscopy. The particles were highly crystalline in nature, global in shape and small in size with a narrowly distribution from 10 nm to 40 nm. The gold nanoparticles were capped with extracts, preventing them from oxidation and agglomeration. The effect of reaction temperature, reaction time, amount of extracts and chloroauric acid solution was also investigated. The results reveal that these parameters play important roles in the formation of gold nanoparticles. The method exhibited in this study provides a very prospective process to prepare other noble nanoparticles, such as Pd, using renewable and environmentally materials.