Size-tunable green synthesis of platinum nanoparticles using chlorogenic acid

A facile green synthesis of platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) using chlorogenic acid (CGA) as a reducing agent and stabilizing agent has been reported here for the first time to the knowledge of the authors. Well-dispersed PtNPs are synthesized in spherical shapes and are tuned in size by simply changing the molar ratio of H2PtCl6 to CGA, with the same salt, temperature and solvent. The average sizes of the particles were 16.9 ± 4.7, 13.3 ± 4.0, 10.8 ± 3.4, and 7.5 ± 2.3 nm, respectively, corresponding to molar ratios of the initial H2PtCl6/CGA of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4 and decreased with an increase in CGA concentration. Transmission electron microscope; energy-dispersive spectrometer; UV–visible absorption spectra (UV–Vis); and Fourier transmission infrared spectra were used to characterize the PtNPs. Additionally, the advantage of CGA for possible synergistic biological activity was studied through the in vitro antioxidant activity of PtNPs by CGA for capture of free radicals. Our results indicate that CGA is an excellent reducing and stabilizing agent in green synthesis of PtNPs, and these size-tunable PtNPs can provide potential applications in the field of biomedicines.