Catalytic reduction of methyl orange by Ag/SrFe2O4 nanocomposite prepared using celestine and Marrubium vulgare L. leaf extract

In this study, the celestine (natural strontium sulfate) is first converted to strontium carbonate (SrCO3). Then, magnetic strontium ferrite nanocomposite was produced from the reaction of obtained SrCO3 (in HNO3) and Fe(NO3)(3) solution. Biosynthesized Ag nanoparticles (NPs) supported on SrFe2O4 were prepared by the aqueous horehound (Marrubium vulgare L.) leaf extract. The synthesized nanocomposites were analyzed using different characterization techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The FESEM analysis of Ag/SrFe2O4 nanocomposite confirms the formation of spherical Ag NPs dispersed on the surface of strontium ferrite with an average particle size below 50 nm. The reduction/decolorization time of 10 ppm methyl orange (MO) solution in the presence of 10.6 x 10(-3) M sodium borohydride (NaBH4) solution and 9 mg of Ag/SrFe2O4 catalyst with good activity and reusability was 2.5 min.

Automated summary

In this study, a magnetic strontium ferrite nanocomposite was synthesized by converting natural strontium sulfate to strontium carbonate and then reacting it with an iron nitrate solution. Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were supported on the surface of the strontium ferrite using a leaf extract. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized and showed good catalytic activity and reusability.