Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic activity of iron nanoparticles from Ficus carica peels via biological method.

In recent years, preparation of metal nanoparticles has developed a matter of great interest in overcoming different challenges such as environmental pollutants and infectious diseases. Herein, biogenic synthesis of iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) was achieved using aqueous peels extract of Ficus carica as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The structure and properties of the synthesized Iron nanoparticles were investigated by SEM, EDX, TEM, FTIR and UV–Vis spectroscopy, and further assessed for their photocatalytic activity. A great photocatalytic degradation had been observed upon treatment of FeNPs with methylene blue dye. It reached near 81% for methylene blue after 30 hrs. These results confirmed that the synthesis of FeNPs by green chemistry improves its properties and can be utilized as a promising strategy for photocatalytic and other applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]