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Updated: May 3, 2026
Gold Nanoparticle Synthesis
Published on: July 10, 2021
Sonosynthesis of gold nanoparticles from a geranium leaf extract
M Franco-Romano1, M L A Gil2, J M Palacios-Santander3
1Departamento de Química Física, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Microscopía Electrónica y Materiales (IMEYMAT), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Cádiz, Avda. República Saharaui, S/N, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain; Departamento de Química Analítica, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Microscopía Electrónica y Materiales (IMEYMAT), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Cádiz, Avda. República Saharaui, S/N, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain.
This study presents a rapid green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using geranium leaf extract and ultrasound. The process is fast, efficient, and yields stable nanoparticles with potential applications.
Area of Science:
- Green Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) offers a sustainable alternative to chemical methods.
- Efficient and rapid synthesis routes are crucial for practical applications of AuNPs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid in situ biosynthesis method for gold nanoparticles using geranium leaf extract.
- To optimize the synthesis using sonocatalysis and experimental design.
- To characterize the synthesized gold nanoparticles and assess their stability.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Pelargonium zonale leaf extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent.
- Employed high-power ultrasound (sonocatalysis) for rapid nanoparticle synthesis.
- Characterized AuNPs using UV-Vis spectroscopy, TEM, electron diffraction, EDS, and FTIR.
- Optimized conditions using the simplex experimental design method.
Main Results:
- Achieved rapid AuNP synthesis in 3.5 minutes under ambient conditions.
- Synthesized AuNPs with an average size of 12±3 nm (80% in the 8-20 nm range).
- Demonstrated AuNP stability for approximately 8 weeks at 4 °C in the dark.
- Identified biomolecules in the leaf extract responsible for reduction and capping.
Conclusions:
- Established a novel, rapid, and green method for AuNP biosynthesis using sonocatalysis and plant extract.
- Highlighted the potential of geranium leaf extract and ultrasound in sustainable nanomaterial production.
- The combined sonocatalytic and simplex optimization approach is a pioneering technique for AuNP biosynthesis.
