Abstract
We demonstrated a facile and environmental-friendly approach to form gold nanoparticles through the reduction of HAuCl4 by aspartame. The single-crystalline structure was illustrated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results indicated that aspartame played a pivotal role in the reduction and stabilization of the gold crystals. The crystals were stabilized through the successive hydrogen-bonding network constructed between the water and aspartame molecules. Additionally, gold nanoparticles synthesized through aspartame were shown to have good catalytic activity for the reduction of p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol in the presence of NaBH4.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s11671-015-0910-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
Over the past decade, metallic nanoparticles with large surface-to-volume ratios have attracted steadily growing scientific interest because of their utterly novel characteristics and intriguing applications that are complementary or superior to those of bulk materials [1]
Inspired by the fact that crystal morphology is always regulated in biology by biomolecules [13], reports to date have focused on using such molecules as templates to synthesize materials with novel
Characterization of APM-AuNPs transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) characterizations were performed on a JEM-2100 F field emission electron microscope (200 kV)
Summary
Metallic nanoparticles with large surface-to-volume ratios have attracted steadily growing scientific interest because of their utterly novel characteristics and intriguing applications that are complementary or superior to those of bulk materials [1]. Traditional chemical and physical methods have successfully created well-defined nanoparticles. There are drawbacks of these processes including their need of substantial energy and capital, contamination from precursor chemicals, use of toxic solvents, and the generation of hazardous by-products [2]. During the last two decades, there has been an increasing emphasis on developing straightforward, economically viable, and green synthesis methods for metallic nanoparticles. From an economic and green chemistry perspective, nontoxic solvents, environmentally benign reducing agents, and renewable materials are desirable assets during nanoparticle preparation [3]. In terms of green synthesis methods, water is commonly utilized as an inspired by the fact that crystal morphology is always regulated in biology by biomolecules [13], reports to date have focused on using such molecules as templates to synthesize materials with novel
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
