Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• Green synthesis of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles using apple extract yields a mixed spinel phase with high surface area (347.04 m2/g) and mesoporosity. • The nanoparticles exhibit 96.88% photo-Fenton degradation of Methylene Blue under visible light and 100% adsorption of Cr3+ and Pb2+ ions. • Mössbauer spectroscopy confirms the presence of only Fe3+ ions in a Zeeman sextet pattern, indicating magnetic ordering. • Statistical analysis (ANOVA and Tukey's HSD) validates that contact time and adsorbent dosage significantly influence pollutant removal efficiency.
Abstract
This study investigates the effect of apple extract on CoFe2O4 nanoparticles synthesized via a green self-ignition method. High resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) showed nanometric particles with varied shapes, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld refinement confirmed a facecentered cubic (Fd3̅m) structure. Mössbauer spectroscopy revealed a Zeeman sextet pattern with only Fe3+ ions. Ultra violet vissible nearinfrared (UV–Vis–NIR) spectra indicated strong absorbance in the visible and NIR regions, suggesting optoelectronic potential. The nanoparticles demonstrated high photo-Fenton catalytic efficiency, degrading 96.88% of Methylene Blue under visible light. They also exhibited 100% adsorption capacities for Cr3+ and Pb2+, making them effective for water treatment. These properties were attributed to a large surface area (347.04 m2/g), mesoporous structure, and mixed spinel phase. ANOVA and Tukey’s honestly significant difference (HSD) tests confirmed that contact time and adsorbent dosage significantly affected pollutant removal. Additionally, strong antimicrobial activity highlighted their biotechnological relevance. The inclusion of apple extract enhanced structural and functional features, expanding application prospects in spin valves, magnetic recording, refrigeration, microwave technologies (C to Ku bands), optoelectronics, and biotechnology. Future work should explore the photo-Fenton degradation mechanism and optimize synthesis for scalable production, aiming to maximize their industrial utility.
1. Introduction
Spinel ferrite nanoparticles (SFNs) have garnered substantial consideration in nanoscience and technology owing to their exclusive and versatile properties[1]. It is also a subset of ferrites that exhibit a spinel crystal structure characterized by robust magnetic behavior, high stability, and diverse functionalities. Among these SFNs, cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) is distinguished by its high coercivity, moderate saturation magnetization[2], and exceptional chemical stability. In addition, cobalt ferrite exhibits excellent biocompatibility, mechanical hardness, and electrical properties[3], making it ideal for various technological applications, including catalysis[4], magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), sensors[5], and even pharmaceuticals[6].
Another promising application of cobalt ferrite is in wastewater removal via adsorption and photocatalysis[4, 7]. These properties have positioned CoFe2O4 nanoparticles as a promising candidate for applications that require both magnetic and chemical functionality, such as data storage, targeted drug delivery, and environmental remediation.
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Heba Hussein, Sobhy Sayed Ibrahim, Sherif Ahmed Khairy (2025). Eco-sustainable biosynthesis of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles using apple extract for multifunctional applications. SinoTechIntel Verified Research. https://doi.org/10.1088/1674-4926/25040013
Research & Educational Purpose Only:The translations, structured abstracts, analytical annotations, and data reports provided by SinoTechIntel are intended exclusively for academic research, internal corporate R&D, and educational benchmarking. They do not constitute formal engineering, chemical safety, legal, or professional advice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main advantage of using apple extract in the synthesis of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles?
The use of apple extract provides an eco-friendly, sustainable synthesis route that enhances the structural and functional properties of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles, such as increased surface area and improved catalytic and antimicrobial activities.
How effective are the synthesized CoFe2O4 nanoparticles in degrading organic pollutants?
The nanoparticles demonstrate high photo-Fenton catalytic efficiency, achieving 96.88% degradation of Methylene Blue under visible light, indicating their potential for wastewater treatment.
Can these nanoparticles remove heavy metals from water?
Yes, they exhibit 100% adsorption capacities for Cr3+ and Pb2+ ions, making them highly effective for heavy metal removal from contaminated water.
What structural properties contribute to the multifunctionality of the nanoparticles?
The nanoparticles possess a face-centered cubic (Fd3̅m) spinel structure, a large surface area of 347.04 m2/g, and a mesoporous nature, which collectively enhance their catalytic, adsorption, and antimicrobial performance.
What are the potential applications of these CoFe2O4 nanoparticles?
The nanoparticles show promise in spin valves, magnetic recording, refrigeration, microwave technologies (C to Ku bands), optoelectronics, biotechnology, and environmental remediation, including water treatment and antibacterial applications.
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