Non-conventionally fabricated Fe3O4 nanoparticles for photocatalytic degradation of aquatic-pollutant dye

Among numerous nano-sized metal oxides, iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have been known for its promising adsorptive efficacy. In the present study, non-conventional synthesis approach has been adopted wherein aqueous extract of Holoptelea integrifolia leaves was used to produce IONPs to degrade toxic, carcinogenic, non-biodegradable, and most aquatic-pollutant dye. Bioactive phytochemicals present in H. integrifolia leaves extract synergistically act as reducing, capping, and stabilizing agents to fabricate desired metal oxide (Fe3O4) NPs. Fabricated NPs was analysed using standard characterization tools & techniques, viz., UV-vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, and SEM. Shape of IONPs was found to be spherical as elucidated by SEM. Average diameter of fabricated Fe3O4-NPs has been calculated (14.59 nm) by analysing the XRD data using Debye-Scherrer equation.
IONPs was investigated for its photocatalytic activity to degrade methylene blue (MB) dye, which is one of the most toxic, carcinogenic, non-biodegradable and most abundant aquatic-pollutant dye. Photocatalytic activity was assessed by carrying out UV-visible spectra on three variable factors: dye concentration, photocatalyst dosage, and irradiation time. Green Fe3O4-NPs was found to have promising photocatalytic efficacy to degrade MB dye (85.5% on 150 min. of sunlight exposure).
Green (non-conventional) route to fabricate metal oxide nanoparticles (IONPs), using aqueous extract of H. integrifolia leaves, has noteworthy advantages over conventional methods, being environmentally benign, economically viable, less time consuming and safer. The product (Fe3O4-NPs) has potential photocatalytic activity to degrade most hazardous, aquatic-pollutant MB dye.

Keywords: Fe3O4-nanoparticles, Holoptelea integrifolia, MB dye, Photocatalytic activity, UV-vis spectroscopy, SEM.