Greener route for synthesis of cerium oxide and Fe-doped cerium oxide nanoparticles using acacia concinna fruit extract

Abstract

Abstract Nanomaterials have enabled extraordinary technical breakthroughs relative to bulk materials because of their unique properties. In this study, we have synthesized CeO2 and Ce1−x Fe x O2 (x = 0.02, 0.04 and 0.06 w/w) nanoparticles by the sol–gel method using acacia concinna fruit extract. The crystallite size of 22.7 nm for CeO2 and varied from 32.47 nm to 62.95 nm for Fe-doped CeO2 nanoparticles as calculated from the X-ray diffraction pattern. Scanning electron microscope images showed a porous network-like morphology for both the samples. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed a characteristic absorption band for Ce–O at 849 cm−1. Raman spectra indicated the vibrational mode of the cubic fluorite type structure of CeO2 nanoparticles at 464 cm−1. The specific surface area of CeO2 nanoparticles, was observed to be 58 m2 g−1, while that for 2%, 4%, and 6% Fe-doped CeO2 nanoparticles was 45 m2 g−1, 34 m2 g−1, 24 m2 g−1 respectively.