Amaranthus spinosus Leaf Extract Mediated FeO Nanoparticles: Physicochemical Traits, Photocatalytic and Antioxidant Activity

Iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using Amaranthus spinosus leaf aqueous extracts reducing from ferric chloride. A. spinosus leaf extract is a rich source of amaranthine and phenolic compounds with high antioxidant and these molecules were used as reducing agents. The operating parameters of nanoparticles synthesis were optimized. Physicochemical, optical, and magnetic properties of synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using analytical techniques. Results confirmed that A. spinosus leaf extract mediated iron oxide nanoparticles are spherical shape with rhombohedral phase structure, smaller size, and large surface with less aggregation. The photocatalytic and antioxidant activities of leaf extract as well as sodium borohydride mediated iron oxide nanoparticles were studied. The percentage decolorization of methyl orange and methylene blue was 75% and 69%, respectively, for extract mediated iron oxide nanoparticles under sunlight. The antioxidant efficiency was also observed to be 93% against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl. The extract mediated iron oxide nanoparticles showed better photocatalytic and antioxidant capacity than sodium borohydride mediated nanoparticles.