Ultrasound Assisted Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles as an Efficient Catalyst for Reduction of Various Nitro Compounds

Abstract

Abstract A simple, one step and economical protocol for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) have been developed via ultrasound probe sonicator with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as reducing agent as well as capping agent. Notably there is no need of additional surfactant or stabilizer for the synthesis of Au NPs. Size of the particles was controlled by varying the irradiation intervals of sonication. Spherical nanoparticles with uniform particle size ranging from 15–40 nm were achieved within short reaction time. The surface morphology, phase identification and chemical composition of the prepared Au NPs were characterized by Field emission gun‐scanning electron microscopy (FEG‐SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). The catalytic activity of the prepared gold catalyst was tested for the degradation of aromatic nitro compounds at room temperature. All the reactions were monitored using UV‐Vis spectrophotometer. Comprehensive UV‐Vis data for all the reduction reactions has been presented.