Green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles using Hibiscus plant extract

Abstract

In the present work, hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by using a simple and facile green synthesis by using Hibiscus plant extract. The used solution is composed of plant extract and 0.1 M of iron chloride mixture. The nanoparticles are grown at ambient temperature. The prepared nanoparticles morphology, structure and composition were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and high-resolution transmission microscopy (HRTEM). The synthesized nanoparticles are formed by agglomeration of spherical and mono-disperse grains. XRD analysis reveals that the grains are polycrystalline with an average particle size of 20 nm. The calcinated nanoparticles contain small traces of maghemite and hydroxide. A vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) was used for the nanoparticle magnetic properties determination. The finding reveals the superparamagnetic behaviour of the synthesized α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles owing to a saturated magnetization (Ms) of 0.96 emu/g, and low remnant magnetization Mr of 0.06 emu/g.