GREEN AND CHEMICAL SYNTHESIS OF Α-FE₂O₃ NANOPARTICLES: STRUCTURAL, MORPHOLOGICAL AND ELEMENTAL CHARACTERIZATION

Abstract

Environmental contamination by toxic heavy metals poses a serious threat to ecosystems and human health, necessitating the development of efficient, eco-friendly remediation materials. In the present study, iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using two approaches: a conventional chemical route and a green synthesis method employing Spondias dulcis leaf extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. The synthesis process was monitored through visual and reaction-based observations, where a progressive color transition from pale yellow to dark brown and finally black confirmed nanoparticle formation, followed by magnetic separation and purification. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). XRD analysis revealed sharp and intense diffraction peaks, confirming crystalline structure and successful formation of iron oxide nanoparticles. SEM analysis demonstrated nanoscale spherical to quasi-spherical morphology with varying degrees of aggregation, while EDX and elemental mapping confirmed the presence and homogeneous distribution of iron and oxygen, indicating high purity. Comparative evaluation revealed that both chemically synthesized (CN) and green synthesized (GN) nanoparticles exhibited good crystallinity and nanoscale morphology; however, GN nanoparticles showed better dispersion, smoother surface features, and reduced aggregation, attributed to phytochemical-mediated stabilization. These findings confirm successful synthesis of structurally stable and crystalline iron oxide nanoparticles, highlighting the potential of green synthesis as a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical methods. The The present study demonstrates that plant-mediated synthesis provides a simple, eco-friendly, and cost-effective approach for the production of functional iron oxide nanoparticles. The green synthesis method utilizes phytochemicals present in plant extracts as natural reducing and stabilizing agents, thereby eliminating the need for hazardous chemicals and energy-intensive procedures commonly associated with conventional synthesis techniques. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited desirable physicochemical characteristics, indicating their stability and functional efficiency. Furthermore, the biologically derived nanoparticles possess enhanced biocompatibility and reduced toxicity, making them attractive candidates for diverse environmental and biomedical applications. Their potential utility in areas such as pollutant removal, antimicrobial activity, targeted drug delivery, and therapeutic interventions highlights the versatility of green-synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles. In addition, the sustainable nature of plant-mediated synthesis supports the principles of green chemistry and environmental safety. Overall, this approach represents a promising alternative for the scalable production of multifunctional iron oxide nanoparticles with significant industrial, environmental, and biomedical relevance.