Structural characterization of mesoporous magnetite nanoparticles synthesized using the leaf extract of Calliandra haematocephala and their photocatalytic degradation of malachite green dye

Abstract

A simple method for the synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles using the leaf extract of Calliandra haematocephala has been developed. UV–Vis spectrum showed a characteristic strong absorption band. SEM image revealed the bead-like spherical nanoparticles. EDS showed the prominent peaks for elemental iron and oxygen. PXRD patterns confirmed the crystalline nature and the average crystallite size of 7.45 nm. In addition, the lattice parameter value was calculated to be 8.413 A, close to Fe3O4 nanoparticles. BET analysis disclosed the total specific surface area of the nanoparticles as 63.89 m2/g and the mesoporous structure of the nanoparticles with a pore radius of 34.18 A. FTIR studies showed the specific bands at 599.82 and 472.53 cm−1, typical for Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The photocatalytic efficacy of the nanoparticles was demonstrated against the degradation of malachite green dye under sunlight irradiation and the photocatalytic degradation constant was calculated as 0.0621 min−1.