Microwave-assisted green synthesis, characterization and adsorption studies on metal oxide nanoparticles synthesized using Ficus Benghalensis plant leaf extracts

Abstract

Environmentally friendly synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles is a worthwhile contribution to the science and technology field. The conversion of metal salts into metal oxides using plant extract has attracted considerable attention from researchers due to the simplicity of the process. Special attention has been provided to the green synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles using easily available plants with an eco-friendly system compared to other conventional methods. The advantages of green synthesis are minimizing the by-product and thus eliminating contaminants and using imperishable and lower-risk components. The biological diversity of plant extracts, for instance, as well as the accessibility to numerous phytochemicals in various parts of the plants is an important aspect in considering plants for integrating nanoparticles. An attempt has been made to synthesize metal oxides such as Fe₃O₄, CeO₂ and ZnO using Ficus benghalensis plant leaf extract. The structure and morphology of the as-prepared metal oxide samples were studied using powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy techniques. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study was undertaken to study the bonding in the metal oxide samples. Moreover, morphology and particles size of the above samples was studied by using transmission electron microscopy. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis study was undertaken to know the formation of metal oxides. Furthermore, the adsorption study of heavy metal ions (Pb²⁺, Hg²⁺) on metal oxides was performed to know the adsorbent nature of metal oxides.