Microwave aided and plant reduced gold nanoparticles as talented dye degradation catalysts

Green alternatives prevail over the hazardous and expensive pathways of nanoparticles synthesis. Here we report eco-friendly manufacturing of gold nanoparticles by microwave assistance. The water soluble organic constituents of the tropical herb Elephantopus scaber functioned as the three electron donor and the aggregation preventer. XRD spectra certified fcc crystal lattice and the TEM images supported mixed spherical and triangular geometry to the nanoparticles with an average particle size of 18.97±5.86 nm. Ecological relevance of the gold nanoparticles lies in their ability to degrade methylene blue and methyl orange. The catalytic capacity of the gold nanoparticles is exploited in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol. Large scale production of gold nanoparticles in an easy manner using renewable sources improves the ‘green’ significance of the present synthesis.