Mesoporous magnetite nanoparticles synthesis using the Peltophorum pterocarpum pod extract, their antibacterial efficacy against pathogens and ability to remove a pollutant dye

For the first time, magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles have been synthesized from the pod extract of Peltophorum pterocarpum. The phenolic compounds of the pod extract helped in the formation and stabilization of the magnetic nanoparticles. A continuous absorption spectral band obtained in the UV–vis spectroscopy indicated the formation of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. The SEM image showed discrete spherical nanoparticles. The intense peaks for iron and oxygen in EDS affirmed the synthesis magnetite nanoparticles. The crystalline nature of the magnetite nanoparticles was confirmed by PXRD pattern. The crystallite size was calculated as 23.82 nm with respect to the intense (311) facets and the lattice parameter was estimated to be 8.4343 Å which matched with the standards. The capping action of the phenolic compounds were explicated by FTIR spectrum. The characteristic bands at 557 and 443 cm⁻¹ signified the Fe–O stretching vibrations and thus confirmed the magnetite nanoparticles. A high specific surface area (47.07 m²/g) was obtained using the BET method, which also revealed the mesoporous structure (pore diameter = 7.66 nm) of magnetite nanoparticles. The adsorption potential of the nanoparticles has been demonstrated for the removal of a methylene blue dye and it was found out that 88.98% of the dye was adsorbed within after 45 min contact time. In addition, the synthesized nanoparticles exhibited the bactericidal action against S.epidermis than E.coli. Hence, the synthesized magnetite nanoparticles may play a prominent role in the field of nanoremediation.