Green synthesis of iron nanoparticles by Acacia nilotica pods extract and its catalytic, adsorption, and antibacterial activities

Abstract

Iron nanoparticles (FeNP) were synthesized using Acacia nilotica seedless pods extract. The synthesized FeNP were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV/Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The XRD pattern confirmed the synthesis of crystalline phase of α-Fe2O3. EDS spectroscopy showed the presence of elemental iron and oxygen, indicating that the nanoparticles are essentially present in oxide form. UV absorption in the range of 450-550 nm confirmed the formation of FeNP. DLS indicated an average FeNP particle size of 229 nm. The synthesized FeNP was tested for adsorption and oxidation degradation of methyl orange (MO) under different conditions and found to be effective in both degradation and adsorption processes. Furthermore, the synthesized FeNP has the potential to terminate the pathogenicity of several human opportunistic pathogens; belongs to gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria and one species of Candida as well.