Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles by Leaves of Zero-Calorie Sweetener Herb (Stevia rebaudiana) and Their Nanoscopic Characterization by Spectroscopy and Microscopy

In this research work, gold nanostructures with different shapes, such as octahedrons, hexagons and triangles, have been synthesized within 20 min by reducing gold chloride (HAuCl₄) with dried, powdered Stevia rebaudiana, leaves, previously not exploited for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were characterized and investigated by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The UV-Vis spectrum of the aqueous medium containing gold nanostructures showed a peak at 539 nm corresponding to the surface plasmon resonance band (SPR) of gold nanoparticles. HR-TEM micrograph showed the formation of well-dispersed octahedral gold nanoparticles of size 8-20 nm. XRD spectrum of the gold nanoparticles "exhibited Bragg's pattern of reflection.".