Green synthesis of MgO nanoparticles using aqueous leaf extract of Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) and evaluation of their catalytic and biological activities

Nanotechnology offers the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) with diverse applications in several fields. However, physical and chemical methods were required tedious reaction conditions to attempt the goal, and it is not ecofriendly. Therefore, the green method for nanomaterial synthesis was adapted and successfully used to synthesize nanomaterial using plant extract to overcome these limitations. Herein, we demonstrate a facile, efficient, inexpensive, and green approach for the production of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) employing Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) leaf extract, the phytochemicals such as polyphenols and flavonoids present in an extract made possible bio-reduction of Mg(NO3)(2). The eco-friendly synthesized MgO NPs were explored by diverse techniques like UV-DRS, FTIR, XRD, PL, BET, BJH, SEM, EDX, and CO2-TPD. The peak at 284 nm in UV-DRS confirms the formation of MgO NPs with a band gap of 3.9 eV, whereas the surface area was found to be 12.411 m(2)/g by BET techniques. Furthermore, the morphology of as-synthesized MgO NPs was confirmed with SEM analysis. The fully characterized MgO NPs were explored as reusable catalysts for Claisen-Schmidt and Knoevenagel reactions and screened for biological activities.

Automated summary

Nanotechnology offers a method for synthesizing nanoparticles, while green plant extract synthesis methods have been successfully applied to overcome environmental issues. The study demonstrates a simple, efficient, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly approach to produce magnesium oxide nanoparticles.