The regularities of the Mentha piperita L. extract mediated synthesis of gold nanoparticles with a response in the infrared range

Here we report on the application of Mentha piperita L. extract mediated synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with a response in the infrared range. Chromatographic studies showed the extract of M. piperita contains secondary metabolites typically acting as reducing and stabilizing agents. To shed light on the kinetic regularities of the phytosynthesis, we examined the formation of Au nanocolloids in situ considering the impact of the content of reagents: the extract (0.25 mg/ml of dry matter) and HAuCl4 (0.025-0.975 mM) were investigated in the time range 1-75 min. The formation of non-spherical AuNPs is confirmed by TEM and UV-Vis characterization of nanocolloids. UV-Vis spectroscopy showed surface plasmon resonance peaks at 534 and > 900 nm drifting into the infrared range with time and composition of reacting mixtures. The sizes of AuNPs according to the protocol varied from 10 to near 200 nm. TEM showed pseudo-spherical, triangular, and hexagonal AuNPs. Non-ideal surface relief by AFM data for large triangular and hexagonal AuNPs and structural imperfections from HRTEM studies are demonstrated. Kinetic studies showed S-shaped kinetic curves for the reaction of HAuCl4 and the plant extract. All effective constants found for the process of NPs forming can be explained by the more intense formation of large AuNPs and by the formation of NPs of a different shape with a different absorption spectrum at the same time.