Publication

Abstract : This paper presents the synthesis and stabilization of Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) using five different hydrocolloids [Tragacanth (Tg), Karaya (Kg), Guar (Gg), Carrageenan (Cg), and Xanthan (Xg)] via greener pathways. The particle size, morphology, stabilization characteristics and catalytic efficiencies of the synthesized Au NPs were analyzed using spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The Gg stabilized Au NPs was extremely stable (particle size 8.0 ± 1 nm) at 4°C for a period up to three months as compared to other Au NPs synthesized and stabilized via other polysaccharides. However, zeta potential and UV-vis analysis of Au NPs produced by Tg, Kg, Gg, Cg and Xg did not show much variation in magnitudes during the tested periods (0 to 90 days). The catalytic performance of hydrocolloid stabilized Au NPs were also evaluated and compared their kinetics reaction rates, and stability for the degradation of 4-Nitrophenol (p-NP) to 4-Amino phenol (p-AP). The reduction of p-NP follows the pseudo-first order.The highest kinetic rate value is found to be 10.6 x 10-3 s-1 for Au Guar composites (5.1 x 10-6 mM).