Solventless synthesis and optical properties of Au and Ag nanoparticles using Camellia sinensis extract

Abstract A facile bottom–up “green” synthetic route using green tea ( Camellia sinensis ) extract as reducing and stabilizing agent produced gold nanoparticles and silver nanostructures in aqueous solution at ambient conditions. Colloidal systems of silver and gold nanoparticles exhibit highly efficient single photon-induced luminescence. This optical response can be manipulated by changing concentrations of metal ions and the quantity of reducing agent, which plays a crucial role in formation, growth and luminescence response of these noble-metal nanostructures.