Green Synthesis of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Using Plant Extract

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at Morgan State University have published a groundbreaking study on the green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles using * * Egeria densa* * plant extract. The study demonstrates a novel approach to producing iron-based nanoparticles from ferrous sulphate and ferric chloride, using a sustainable and cost-effective method. The research highlights the versatility of the plant extract as a green reducing and stabilizing agent, expanding our understanding of plant-mediated nanoparticle production.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study used an aqueous leaf extract of * * Egeria densa* * to green-synthesize iron (II) and iron (III) oxide nanoparticles from ferrous sulphate and ferric chloride, respectively.
  • The successful green synthesis of the nanoparticles was confirmed through UV-visible spectroscopy, and the color of the mixtures changed from light-yellow to green-black and reddish-brown for FeO-NPs and Fe [ [2] ] O [ [3] ] -NPs, respectively.
  • The morphological characteristics of the nanoparticles were determined using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX).
  • The study demonstrated that the plant extract can reduce iron salts into FeO-NPs and Fe [ [2] ] O [ [3] ] -NPs, indicating its potential as a green reducing and stabilizing agent.
  • The dual-path synthesis approach provides new insights into the influence of the precursor oxidation state on nanoparticle formation, expanding our understanding of plant-mediated nanoparticle production.
  • The study offers a simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly method for the synthesis of the FeO-NPs and Fe [ [2] ] O [ [3] ] -NPs using * * Egeria densa* * .

Statistics:

  • The UV-Vis spectrum of the FeO-NPs showed a sharp peak at 290 nm due to the surface plasmon resonance, while that of the Fe [ [2] ] O [ [3] ] -NPs showed a sharp peak at 300 nm.
  • TEM analysis revealed that the FeO-NPs were oval to hexagonal in shape, with an average size of 18.49 nm, while the Fe [ [2] ] O [ [3] ] -NPs were oval to hexagonal in shape, but some were irregularly shaped, with an average size of 27.96 nm.
  • EDX analysis showed the presence of elemental iron and oxygen in both types of nanoparticles, indicating that these nanoparticles were essentially present in oxide form.

Sources:

  • Green Synthesis and Characterization of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Using * * Egeria densa* * Plant Extract. Applied Biosciences, 2025,4(2):27.
  • NewsRx. Studies from Morgan State University Have Provided New Data on Green Synthesis (Green Synthesis and Characterization of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Using * * Egeria densa* * Plant Extract). Biotech Week. July 9, 2025; p 827.