One–step sonochemical irradiation dependent shape controlled crystal growth study of gold nano/microplates with high catalytic activity in degradation of dyes

Abstract

Abstract A simple, one‐step, low cost and green approach for the sonochemical development of shape controlled triangular and hexagonal gold (Au) nano and microplates in aqueous medium with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at room temperature has been outlined. DMSO acts as reducing as well as stabilizing agent in the presence of sonication energy. Effect of sonication irradiation time on the morphology of the Au nanostructures has been studied. Further, reaction conditions for shape selective Au nano/microplates with maximum yield under sonication at room temperature were optimized. The detailed study reveals that a short span of time (40 min) is sufficient to obtain triangular and hexagonal Au nano/ microplates with sharp edges having angles 60 o and 120 o respectively. The catalytic activity of the prepared Au nano/microplates was tested for degradation of dyes like methyl red (MR) and methylene blue (MB). The Au nano/microplates show excellent catalytic activity towards complete degradation of dyes within few minutes.