# Green Method for Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles UsingPolyscias scutellaria Leaf Extract under UV Light and Their Catalytic Activity to Reduce Methylene Blue

Authors: Yoki Yulizar; Tresye Utari; Harits Atika Ariyanta; Digha Maulina
Journal: Journal of Nanomaterials
 (2017)

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## Abstract

The aqueous fraction ofPolyscias scutellaria leaf extract (PSE) has been used as a reducing agent and stabilizer in the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). UV-Vis spectrophotometry, particle size analyzer (PSA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy-selected area electron diffraction (TEM-SAED), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize AuNPs. The AuNPs have a size of 5–20 nm and have a face centered cubic (fcc) crystal structure and are stable for 21 days. Phenolic compounds, which are secondary metabolites of PSE, act as an active compound to reduce Au3+ ion to Au0, as well as stabilize the AuNPs through their surface interaction with carbonyl and hydroxyl groups of phenols. AuNPs exhibit excellent catalytic activity for the reduction of methylene blue with NaBH4. The reduction of methylene blue using AuNPs catalysts is a pseudo-first-order reaction with a reduction rate constant (kobs) of 0.0223 min−1.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

In recent years, research on the synthesis of nanoparticles using green materials, commonly called green synthesis, has been growing. The proposed materials are types of microorganisms, enzymes, plants, or plant extracts [1]. The reported biological resources can be used as a reducing and stabilizing agent in the synthesis of metal nanoparticles [2–5].The role of plants in the synthesis of metal nanoparticles depends on the content of secondary metabolites. Specific plants contain specific chemical compounds which can act as active substances in the process of reduction and stabilization of nanoparticles. These compounds are alternative environmentally friendly materials in nanoparticle production due to their function to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals, including wastes [6]. Biomolecules in plant extracts that can reduce metal ions into nanoparticles include proteins, polysaccharides, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic acids [7, 8].Several studies of green synthesis have used the extracts ofJ. sambac leaf [5],Rosa rugosa leaf [9],Magnolia kobus andDiospyros kaki leaves [10],Ocimum sanctum leaf [11],Aerva lanata leaf [12],Coriandrum sativum leaf [13],Phyllanthus [14], and henna leaf [15] as reducing agents in AuNPs synthesis. On the other hand, Indonesia has abundant natural resources, including a biological diversity [16–19]. Many types of plants can be explored and used as a nanoparticles green synthesis material. One of the plants which is easily found in Indonesia and has not been reported as a nanoparticles synthesis material isPolyscias scutellaria.Polyscias scutellaria leaves contain alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and polyphenols [20]. Therefore,Polyscias scutellaria leaf is an appropriate choice as a reducing and stabilizing agent in green synthesis of AuNPs.AuNPs are interesting to study, especially their catalytic properties [21–25], due to their excellent stability. They have been known as excellent catalysts in redox reactions due to their large surface area. In a previous study, AuNPs have been widely used as a good catalyst in reducing methylene blue (MB) in the presence of sodium borohydride (NaBH4). The existence of AuNPs as a catalyst makes the reduction of MB run faster [26].In this work, AuNPs were synthesized usingPolyscias scutellaria leaf extract (PSE) with the assistance of UV radiation. Moreover, reduction of MB was used as a model reaction to evaluate the catalytic activity of AuNPs.


## 2. Experimental

### 2.1. Chemicals and Materials

Polyscias scutellaria was obtained from Tegalwaru, Bogor, and has been determined at LIPI, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia. NaBH4 and methylene blue were obtained from Merck. Methanol, n-hexane, and ethyl acetate were obtained from PT. Brataco. HAuCl4 solution used in this research was synthesized by dissolving 99.99% of pure Au metal (PT Antam) in aqua regia (HNO3 : HCl = 1 : 3) solution. All chemicals were of analytical grade and were used without further purification. MilliQ water (18.2 Ω cm−1) was used to make aqueous solutions.


### 2.2. Preparation ofPolyscias scutellaria Leaf Extract

Five kilograms ofPolyscias scutellaria leaves was washed with water and dried in the open air. 50 g of driedPolyscias scutellaria leaf powder was macerated in 250 mL of methanol for 7 days. The mixture was filtered to obtain a greenish concentrated solution. It was partitioned using n-hexane with the volume ratio of 1 : 1. The methanol fraction was collected and concentrated using a vacuum rotatory evaporator at 50°C. It was repartitioned using water and ethyl acetate solvents in a volume ratio of 1 : 1. The final water fraction ofPolyscias scutellaria leaf extract (PSE) was then collected and concentrated using a vacuum rotatory evaporator. The water fraction of PSE was tested phytochemically and characterized using FTIR spectroscopy (Prestige 21, Shimadzu) to determine the content of secondary metabolites for the synthesis of AuNPs.


### 2.3. Synthesis of Au Nanoparticles

Nine millilitres of 1.0 × 10−4 M HAuCl4 solution was added to 1.0 mL of water fraction of PSE with various concentrations from 0.001 to 0.050% (m/v). Each mixture was irradiated under a UV lamp for 2 hours. The synthesis results were characterized using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer (Shimadzu 2600), FTIR, particle size analyzer (PSA, Malvern ZEN 1600), XRD (Shimadzu 7000), and TEM-SAED (JEM 1400).


### 2.4. Catalytic Activity of AuNPs

The mixture of 4.0 mL of 3.0 × 10−5 M methylene blue and 0.5 mL of 0.1 M NaBH4 solution was added to AuNPs colloid as a catalyst at various volumes of 50–150 µL or equivalent to the concentration of 1.10–3.23% (v/v). The mixture was shaken and its reaction was observed through absorbance change using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer against reaction time for 30 minutes.


## 2.1. Chemicals and Materials

Polyscias scutellaria was obtained from Tegalwaru, Bogor, and has been determined at LIPI, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia. NaBH4 and methylene blue were obtained from Merck. Methanol, n-hexane, and ethyl acetate were obtained from PT. Brataco. HAuCl4 solution used in this research was synthesized by dissolving 99.99% of pure Au metal (PT Antam) in aqua regia (HNO3 : HCl = 1 : 3) solution. All chemicals were of analytical grade and were used without further purification. MilliQ water (18.2 Ω cm−1) was used to make aqueous solutions.


## 2.2. Preparation ofPolyscias scutellaria Leaf Extract

Five kilograms ofPolyscias scutellaria leaves was washed with water and dried in the open air. 50 g of driedPolyscias scutellaria leaf powder was macerated in 250 mL of methanol for 7 days. The mixture was filtered to obtain a greenish concentrated solution. It was partitioned using n-hexane with the volume ratio of 1 : 1. The methanol fraction was collected and concentrated using a vacuum rotatory evaporator at 50°C. It was repartitioned using water and ethyl acetate solvents in a volume ratio of 1 : 1. The final water fraction ofPolyscias scutellaria leaf extract (PSE) was then collected and concentrated using a vacuum rotatory evaporator. The water fraction of PSE was tested phytochemically and characterized using FTIR spectroscopy (Prestige 21, Shimadzu) to determine the content of secondary metabolites for the synthesis of AuNPs.


## 2.3. Synthesis of Au Nanoparticles

Nine millilitres of 1.0 × 10−4 M HAuCl4 solution was added to 1.0 mL of water fraction of PSE with various concentrations from 0.001 to 0.050% (m/v). Each mixture was irradiated under a UV lamp for 2 hours. The synthesis results were characterized using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer (Shimadzu 2600), FTIR, particle size analyzer (PSA, Malvern ZEN 1600), XRD (Shimadzu 7000), and TEM-SAED (JEM 1400).


## 2.4. Catalytic Activity of AuNPs

The mixture of 4.0 mL of 3.0 × 10−5 M methylene blue and 0.5 mL of 0.1 M NaBH4 solution was added to AuNPs colloid as a catalyst at various volumes of 50–150 µL or equivalent to the concentration of 1.10–3.23% (v/v). The mixture was shaken and its reaction was observed through absorbance change using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer against reaction time for 30 minutes.


## 3. Results and Discussion

### 3.1. Identification ofPolyscias scutellaria Leaf Extract

Aqueous and methanol leaf extracts ofPolyscias scutellaria (PSE) were phytochemically tested to determine its active compounds. The methanol fraction showed a positive result of flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, and saponins, whereas the aqueous fraction showed a positive result of flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins.FTIR characterization was conducted to determine the functional groups of PSE aqueous fraction as shown in Figure1. The stretch of -OH group was observed at wavenumber 3371 cm−1, C-H group at 2946 cm−1, C=C aromatic group at 1609 cm−1, -C-O aromatic ring at 1402 cm−1, and C-O-C group at 1093 cm−1. These results are consistent with the flavonoids FTIR character ofSesbania grandiflora leaf extract from Das and Velusamy’s research in 2014 [26]. Therefore, the active compound in the aqueous PSE indicated a type of flavonoid compounds.Figure 1
FTIR spectrum of PSE aqueous extract.


### 3.2. PSE Concentration Effect in AuNPs Synthesis

AuNPs were synthesized using PSE under UV radiation for 2 hours due to containing less active compounds at room conditions. Therefore, the higher energy of UV light is required to excite the electrons in the active compound for reducing Au3+ to Au0. AuNPs formation was observed through the color changes from yellow to pink at λmax of 510–580 nm [27]. AuNPs synthesis was conducted in various concentrations of PSE to determine the optimum concentration for reducing and stabilizing AuNPs. The higher the concentration of PSE, the more intense the color of the colloid generated in the system, due to the increase of the reducing agent. However, in high concentrations of PSE, faster growth of AuNPs core occurred, causing an increase in the nanoparticles collisions frequency to form agglomeration.The optimum concentration of PSE in AuNPs synthesis was indicated from the high absorbance value, smallest maximum wavelength (λmax), and sharpest peak shape. Absorbance indicates the amount of substance to absorb light. Wavelength indicates the amount of energy needed by nanoparticles to conduct surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The great size of nanoparticles results in a smaller bandgap. Therefore, the energy required to conduct electronic transition was getting smaller and λmax shifted towards a higher value. Sharp absorption peaks indicate that the formed nanoparticles have a homogeneous size. The UV-Vis absorption spectra of AuNPs formation against various PSE concentrations are shown in Figure 2. The optimum concentration of PSE in AuNPs synthesis was 0.01% (w/v), and AuNPs had a good stability for 21 days observed at λmax of 532–534 nm as shown in Figure 3. The observation of stability after 21 days showed larger λmax shift and a significant decrease of absorbance, indicating the occurrence of agglomeration [28].Figure 2
UV-Vis absorption spectra of AuNPs formation with PSE concentrations of 0.001 to 0.05% (w/v).Figure 3
AuNPs stability at PSE concentration of 0.01% observed for 30 days.


### 3.3. Particle Size Analysis

PSA characterization was conducted to determine the particle size and size distribution of AuNPs as shown in Figure4. AuNPs size was distributed in a single peak, 15.49 nm. The resulting size indicated that the PSE had sufficient strength to reduce Au3+ to Au0. This was also confirmed from the zeta potential value of −19.6 mV that explained the charge of PSE stabilizer capped AuNPs surface (Figure 5). The more negative the zeta potential value, the more frequent the interparticle repulsion, so that the particle becomes more stable [29]. It is concluded that the PSE is a good stabilizing agent for AuNPs.Figure 4
Particle size distribution analysis of AuNPs at 0.01% PSE concentration.Figure 5
Zeta potential distribution analysis of AuNPs at 0.01% PSE concentration.


### 3.4. FTIR Analysis

FTIR characterization was conducted to investigate the interaction between functional groups of PSE and AuNPs in the PSE capped AuNPs. FTIR spectra show the wavenumber shift of PSE functional groups before and after AuNPs formation as shown in Figure6. The vibrations of the -OH group shifted from 3371 to 3427 cm−1 and those of the C=C aromatic group shifted from 1609 to 1634 cm−1. These small shifts are due to the interaction of functional groups (-OH and C=C) in PSE compounds on AuNPs surface. This indicates that AuNPs are capped by the flavonoids in PSE. The oxidation of flavonoids in aqueous solutions under UV light may produce keto forms and act as a reducing agent for Au3+ to Au0 [26, 30].Figure 6
FTIR spectra of PSE and PSE capped AuNPs at 0.01% PSE concentration.


### 3.5. TEM-SAED Analysis

TEM-SAED characterization was conducted to observe the morphology, particle size, and crystal structure of AuNPs. Figure7 shows the TEM images of the synthesized particle with a magnification of 150,000x. The morphology of AuNPs was spheres with a diameter of 5–20 nm. It was in accordance with the result of PSA characterization.Figure 7
TEM images of synthesized AuNPs with a magnification of 150,000x.To confirm AuNPs formation and its crystal phase, the Miller indices are adjusted with data join committee on powder diffraction standards of Au (JCPDS number 04-0748) by SAED analysis as shown in Figure8. The Miller indices were (111), (200), (220), (311), and (222), indicating that the synthesized AuNPs have a phase crystal of face centered cubic [26, 30, 31].Figure 8
SAED pattern of the synthesized AuNPs.


### 3.6. XRD Analysis

XRD characterization was conducted to determine the crystallinity of AuNPs to support the data of TEM-SAED. Typical diffractogram peaks of AuNPs were determined by comparing the value of diffraction angle (2θ) against JCPDS Au data as shown in Figure 9. From the results, there are some peaks of 2θ values: 38.013, 44.190, 64.448, 77.418, and 81.572° matched with JCPDS Au number 04-0748: 38.184, 44.392, 64.576, 77.547, and 81.721, respectively [26, 30, 31].Figure 9
X-ray diffractogram of the synthesized AuNPs.


### 3.7. Catalytic Activity of AuNPs for the Methylene Blue Reduction

The catalytic activity of the synthesized AuNPs was tested in the reduction of methylene blue by NaBH4. Reduction of methylene blue was observed from the fading of blue color solution due to the decrease of UV-Vis absorption spectrum at λmax of 664 nm [32, 33]. In comparison, in the same circumstances, methylene blue was reacted with NaBH4 in the absence of AuNPs catalyst and showed a very small decrease in absorbance of methylene blue as shown in Figure 10.Figure 10
Plots ofln⁡(At/A0) versus reaction time with various concentrations of PSE-AuNPs.The reduction reaction was as follows:(1)4C16H18N3S+H++BH4-+3H2O⟶4C16H20N3S+H3BO3The reaction was assumed to follow pseudo-first-order kinetics. It used the excess concentration of NaBH4 compared to the concentration of methylene blue, so the concentration of NaBH4 was considered to be fixed during the reaction. The pseudo-first-order rate constant was calculated from the slope of the linear line equation plotting [31, 34] ln⁡(Ct/C0) versus time (t) with a kinetic equation:(2)dCtdt=-kCNaBH4Ct=-kobsCtln⁡CtC0=ln⁡AtA0=-kobst.The plotting results of ln⁡(At/A0) versus reaction time (t) in various concentrations of AuNPs are shown in Figure 10. Pseudo-first-order rate constants on AuNPs catalyst concentrations of 0.00, 1.10, 2.17, 2.70, and 3.23% were 0.00054, 0.0037, 0.0109, 0.0170, and 0.0223 min−1, respectively, with maximum reduction percent of methylene blue at 71.10%. These results indicated that the synthesized AuNPs have a good catalytic activity to reduce methylene blue.


## 3.1. Identification ofPolyscias scutellaria Leaf Extract

Aqueous and methanol leaf extracts ofPolyscias scutellaria (PSE) were phytochemically tested to determine its active compounds. The methanol fraction showed a positive result of flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, and saponins, whereas the aqueous fraction showed a positive result of flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins.FTIR characterization was conducted to determine the functional groups of PSE aqueous fraction as shown in Figure1. The stretch of -OH group was observed at wavenumber 3371 cm−1, C-H group at 2946 cm−1, C=C aromatic group at 1609 cm−1, -C-O aromatic ring at 1402 cm−1, and C-O-C group at 1093 cm−1. These results are consistent with the flavonoids FTIR character ofSesbania grandiflora leaf extract from Das and Velusamy’s research in 2014 [26]. Therefore, the active compound in the aqueous PSE indicated a type of flavonoid compounds.Figure 1
FTIR spectrum of PSE aqueous extract.


## 3.2. PSE Concentration Effect in AuNPs Synthesis

AuNPs were synthesized using PSE under UV radiation for 2 hours due to containing less active compounds at room conditions. Therefore, the higher energy of UV light is required to excite the electrons in the active compound for reducing Au3+ to Au0. AuNPs formation was observed through the color changes from yellow to pink at λmax of 510–580 nm [27]. AuNPs synthesis was conducted in various concentrations of PSE to determine the optimum concentration for reducing and stabilizing AuNPs. The higher the concentration of PSE, the more intense the color of the colloid generated in the system, due to the increase of the reducing agent. However, in high concentrations of PSE, faster growth of AuNPs core occurred, causing an increase in the nanoparticles collisions frequency to form agglomeration.The optimum concentration of PSE in AuNPs synthesis was indicated from the high absorbance value, smallest maximum wavelength (λmax), and sharpest peak shape. Absorbance indicates the amount of substance to absorb light. Wavelength indicates the amount of energy needed by nanoparticles to conduct surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The great size of nanoparticles results in a smaller bandgap. Therefore, the energy required to conduct electronic transition was getting smaller and λmax shifted towards a higher value. Sharp absorption peaks indicate that the formed nanoparticles have a homogeneous size. The UV-Vis absorption spectra of AuNPs formation against various PSE concentrations are shown in Figure 2. The optimum concentration of PSE in AuNPs synthesis was 0.01% (w/v), and AuNPs had a good stability for 21 days observed at λmax of 532–534 nm as shown in Figure 3. The observation of stability after 21 days showed larger λmax shift and a significant decrease of absorbance, indicating the occurrence of agglomeration [28].Figure 2
UV-Vis absorption spectra of AuNPs formation with PSE concentrations of 0.001 to 0.05% (w/v).Figure 3
AuNPs stability at PSE concentration of 0.01% observed for 30 days.


## 3.3. Particle Size Analysis

PSA characterization was conducted to determine the particle size and size distribution of AuNPs as shown in Figure4. AuNPs size was distributed in a single peak, 15.49 nm. The resulting size indicated that the PSE had sufficient strength to reduce Au3+ to Au0. This was also confirmed from the zeta potential value of −19.6 mV that explained the charge of PSE stabilizer capped AuNPs surface (Figure 5). The more negative the zeta potential value, the more frequent the interparticle repulsion, so that the particle becomes more stable [29]. It is concluded that the PSE is a good stabilizing agent for AuNPs.Figure 4
Particle size distribution analysis of AuNPs at 0.01% PSE concentration.Figure 5
Zeta potential distribution analysis of AuNPs at 0.01% PSE concentration.


## 3.4. FTIR Analysis

FTIR characterization was conducted to investigate the interaction between functional groups of PSE and AuNPs in the PSE capped AuNPs. FTIR spectra show the wavenumber shift of PSE functional groups before and after AuNPs formation as shown in Figure6. The vibrations of the -OH group shifted from 3371 to 3427 cm−1 and those of the C=C aromatic group shifted from 1609 to 1634 cm−1. These small shifts are due to the interaction of functional groups (-OH and C=C) in PSE compounds on AuNPs surface. This indicates that AuNPs are capped by the flavonoids in PSE. The oxidation of flavonoids in aqueous solutions under UV light may produce keto forms and act as a reducing agent for Au3+ to Au0 [26, 30].Figure 6
FTIR spectra of PSE and PSE capped AuNPs at 0.01% PSE concentration.


## 3.5. TEM-SAED Analysis

TEM-SAED characterization was conducted to observe the morphology, particle size, and crystal structure of AuNPs. Figure7 shows the TEM images of the synthesized particle with a magnification of 150,000x. The morphology of AuNPs was spheres with a diameter of 5–20 nm. It was in accordance with the result of PSA characterization.Figure 7
TEM images of synthesized AuNPs with a magnification of 150,000x.To confirm AuNPs formation and its crystal phase, the Miller indices are adjusted with data join committee on powder diffraction standards of Au (JCPDS number 04-0748) by SAED analysis as shown in Figure8. The Miller indices were (111), (200), (220), (311), and (222), indicating that the synthesized AuNPs have a phase crystal of face centered cubic [26, 30, 31].Figure 8
SAED pattern of the synthesized AuNPs.


## 3.6. XRD Analysis

XRD characterization was conducted to determine the crystallinity of AuNPs to support the data of TEM-SAED. Typical diffractogram peaks of AuNPs were determined by comparing the value of diffraction angle (2θ) against JCPDS Au data as shown in Figure 9. From the results, there are some peaks of 2θ values: 38.013, 44.190, 64.448, 77.418, and 81.572° matched with JCPDS Au number 04-0748: 38.184, 44.392, 64.576, 77.547, and 81.721, respectively [26, 30, 31].Figure 9
X-ray diffractogram of the synthesized AuNPs.


## 3.7. Catalytic Activity of AuNPs for the Methylene Blue Reduction

The catalytic activity of the synthesized AuNPs was tested in the reduction of methylene blue by NaBH4. Reduction of methylene blue was observed from the fading of blue color solution due to the decrease of UV-Vis absorption spectrum at λmax of 664 nm [32, 33]. In comparison, in the same circumstances, methylene blue was reacted with NaBH4 in the absence of AuNPs catalyst and showed a very small decrease in absorbance of methylene blue as shown in Figure 10.Figure 10
Plots ofln⁡(At/A0) versus reaction time with various concentrations of PSE-AuNPs.The reduction reaction was as follows:(1)4C16H18N3S+H++BH4-+3H2O⟶4C16H20N3S+H3BO3The reaction was assumed to follow pseudo-first-order kinetics. It used the excess concentration of NaBH4 compared to the concentration of methylene blue, so the concentration of NaBH4 was considered to be fixed during the reaction. The pseudo-first-order rate constant was calculated from the slope of the linear line equation plotting [31, 34] ln⁡(Ct/C0) versus time (t) with a kinetic equation:(2)dCtdt=-kCNaBH4Ct=-kobsCtln⁡CtC0=ln⁡AtA0=-kobst.The plotting results of ln⁡(At/A0) versus reaction time (t) in various concentrations of AuNPs are shown in Figure 10. Pseudo-first-order rate constants on AuNPs catalyst concentrations of 0.00, 1.10, 2.17, 2.70, and 3.23% were 0.00054, 0.0037, 0.0109, 0.0170, and 0.0223 min−1, respectively, with maximum reduction percent of methylene blue at 71.10%. These results indicated that the synthesized AuNPs have a good catalytic activity to reduce methylene blue.


## 4. Conclusion

The AuNPs were successfully synthesized using a cheap and environmentally friendly route. PSE can be effectively used as reducing agent and stabilizer to produce AuNPs with diameters of 5–20 nm and stable for 21 days. The synthesized AuNPs were then used as a reduction catalyst of methylene blue in the presence of NaBH4. It was found that AuNPs are able to play a role as good catalysts with a pseudo-first-order rate constant of 0.0223 min−1. AuNPs synthesis through this green method can contribute to the other fields such as green photocatalyst, drug delivery, antimicroorganism, adsorbent, detector, and green separation science and technology.



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