We demonstrate a simple, straightforward, clean-green, single pot approach for the synthesis of bimetallic Ag/Au nanoparticles (BNPs) by using a highly invasive terrestrial weed coral vine (Antigonon leptopus). Aqueous extracts of the weed were found to reduce the metal ions to form nanosised aggregates and then stabilise them by preventing further aggregation. The efficacy of the extracts of all its parts was explored by varying the stoichiometry of reactants, temperature, pH and reaction time. The electron micrographs of the synthesised BNPs indicated the presence of particles of predominantly spherical shapes in sizes ranging from 10 to 60 nm. The presence of gold and silver atoms was confirmed from the energy dispersive X-ray, X-ray photoelectron and X-ray diffraction studies. The Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopic spectral study indicated that the phenolics (including flavonoids) and proteins contained in the plant extract could have been responsible for the formation and stabilisation of the BNPs.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.