Green Synthesis and Characterization of Fe3O4 and ε-Fe2O3 Nanoparticles Using Apricot Kernel Shell Extract and Study of Their Optical Properties
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The synthesis of Fe3O4 and ε-Fe2O3 nanoparticles (hereafter referred to as Fe3O4 NPs and ε-Fe2O3 NPs, respectively) was conducted in an eco-friendly manner using FeCl3·6H2O as the primary reactant. The experiment was conducted by subjecting the sample to an aqueous solution of FeCl2·4H2O at a temperature of 80 °C for a duration of 45 min, with the inclusion of apricot kernel shell extract (AKSE) as a natural reducing agent. The synthesized Fe3O4 NPs and ε-Fe2O3 NPs were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The optical properties of Fe3O4 NPs and ε-Fe2O3 NPs were examined, with the band gap energy estimated using the Kubelka–Munk formula. The results demonstrated a band gap of Eg (Fe3O4 NPs) = 2.59 eV and Eg (ε-Fe2O3 NPs) = 2.75 eV, thereby confirming their semiconductor behavior. The photoconductivity of Fe3O4 NPs and ε-Fe2O3 NPs was analyzed as a function of photon energy. For Fe3O4 NPs, photoconductivity exhibited an increase between 1.37 eV and 6.2 eV prior to reaching a state of stability. A comparable trend was observed for ε-Fe2O3 NPs, with an increase from 1.35 eV to 6.22 eV, followed by stabilization. Furthermore, the extinction coefficient (k) was determined. For Fe3O4 NPs, k ranged from 39 to a maximum of 300, while for ε-Fe2O3 NPs, it varied from 37 to a maximum of 280. A higher k value indicates strong light absorption, rendering these nanoparticles highly suitable for photothermal and sensing applications.
Source: Physchem
Institutions: Ziane Achour University of Djelfa, Tunis University, Tunis El Manar University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Lille, Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement, Unité Matériaux et Transformations, Centrale Lille Institut
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,207
OpenAlex ID: W4413129809