Eco-friendly synthesis of gold nanoparticles using Ruta graveolens Leaf extract and their efficient catalytic reduction of 4-Nitroaniline, Methylene Blue and Antibiotic Nitrofurantoin

Abstract

One of the main objectives of research in nanoscience has been to reduce environmental problems. The goal of the present investigation was to generate biogenic gold nanoparticles (AuNP), which can potentially be used for reducing nitroaromatics and methylene blue dye using sodium borohydride. Ruta graveolens Leaf extract was used to synthesize AuNPs by adding it to gold solutions. After two hours of reaction, a cherry red color appeared in the reaction mixture. The formation of nanoparticle is ascertained by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), EDAX and UV–Vis spectroscopy were used. In this paper we used green method for the synthesis of nanoparticles, Without the addition of any capping or reducing agents, we were able to successfully produce gold nanoparticles. The formation of oval-shaped nanoparticles, range in size from 27 to 45 nm, can be observed in the HR-TEM data. The synthesized nanoparticle is used for studies on catalytic reduction. As expected, in the presence of sodium borohydride (NaBH₄), the reduction of the antibiotic Nitrofurantoin (NF), nitroaromatic 4-nitroaniline, and a dye known methylene blue was completely reduced. The antibacterial drug nitrofurantoin, which is marketed under several trade names, including Macrobid, is used to treat UTIs but is less successful in treating kidney infections. The possible mechanism for the catalytic reduction is also demonstrated. Thus confirmed the potential catalytic ability of these nanoparticles in the reduction of aromatic nitrocompounds. Even after seven cycles, the nanoparticle remains recycled and used for reduction, and it has been found that the catalytic activity is intact. Further, kinetic study shows that the reduction of nitrocompounds follows the first-order kinetics.

This finding confirms the potent catalytic activity of biogenic AuNPs produced by Ruta graveolens extract on the reduction of hazardous methylene blue dye and toxic nitroaromatics.

Moreover, the AuNPs demonstrated remarkable robustness and recyclable nature, making them appropriate for practical applications.