Characterisation of Green-Synthesized Fe3O4 Nanoparticles Using Areca Nut Seed Extract (Areca catechu L.)

Abstract

Fe₃O₄ (magnetite) nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention due to their potential applications in various fields. In this study, Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were synthesized through a green synthesis method using areca nut (Areca catechu) extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent, with varying concentrations of 50% (GSP-50%), 80% (GSP-80%), and 100% (GSP-100%). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed the presence of an iron oxide phase consistent with Fe₃O₄. The crystallite size decreased from 11.18 nm to 8.49 nm with increasing extract concentration, accompanied by an increase in the degree of crystallinity from 67.38% to 75.46%, while the lattice parameter remained relatively constant. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed agglomerated particle morphology, indicating that the observed particle size corresponds to an aggregate structure rather than individual nanoparticles. UV–Vis spectroscopy showed a blue shift in absorption with increasing extract concentration. The estimated optical band gap ranged from 3.3 eV to 3.5 eV, which may be influenced by particle size effects and surface state. Overall, the concentration of areca nut extract significantly affected the structural and optical characteristics of the synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles.