Green Biosynthesis and Characterization of Magnetic Iron Oxide (Fe3O4) Nanoparticles Using Seaweed (Sargassum muticum) Aqueous Extract

TLDR

Nanoparticle synthesis is of great interest for its advantageous properties and applications, and plant‑based biosynthesis is a green technology that avoids harmful chemicals. The study aims to synthesize Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles via a rapid, single‑step green method using brown seaweed extract as reducing agent and stabilizer. Characterization of the Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles was performed using XRD, FTIR, FESEM, EDXRF, VSM, and TEM. TEM revealed an average diameter of 18 ± 4 nm, XRD confirmed crystalline cubic nanoparticles, and the biosynthesized Fe₃O₄ particles show potential for various applications.

Abstract

The synthesis of nanoparticles has become a matter of great interest in recent times due to their various advantageous properties and applications in a variety of fields. The exploitation of different plant materials for the biosynthesis of nanoparticles is considered a green technology because it does not involve any harmful chemicals. In this study, iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4-NPs) were synthesized using a rapid, single step and completely green biosynthetic method by reduction of ferric chloride solution with brown seaweed (BS, Sargassum muticum) water extract containing sulphated polysaccharides as a main factor which acts as reducing agent and efficient stabilizer. The structural and properties of the Fe3O4-NPs were investigated by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) and transmission electron microscopy. The average particle diameter as determined by TEM was found to be 18 ± 4 nm. X-ray diffraction showed that the nanoparticles are crystalline in nature, with a cubic shape. The nanoparticles synthesized through this biosynthesis method can potentially useful in various applications.