Abstract

GREEN SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ZnFe2O4 NANOPARTICLES USING TRITICUM AESTIVUM EXTRACT

M. Archana, R. Rohini, T. Manimegalai, P. Megamalar, Deivanai R., Dr. M. Senthil Raja, Dr. Pitta Sriram Charan*

Abstract

Zinc ferrite (ZnFe₂O₄) nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention due to their distinctive physicochemical properties, chemical stability, magnetic behaviour, and potential applications in pharmaceutical and biomedical fields. Green synthesis of nanoparticles using plant-derived materials has emerged as an environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative to conventional chemical synthesis methods. The present study aimed to synthesize ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles using Triticum aestivum (wheat) powder through a green synthesis approach and to characterize the synthesized nanoparticles. Zinc sulphate and an iron precursor were employed as metal sources, while citric acid was used as a chelating agent. The phytochemical constituents present in Triticum aestivum were utilized as natural stabilizing and capping agents during nanoparticle formation. Following synthesis, the obtained material was dried and calcined to obtain the ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles were subjected to physicochemical characterization to evaluate their structural and functional properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed to investigate the crystalline nature and phase characteristics of the synthesized material. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to identify the functional groups associated with the plant-derived constituents and their possible involvement in nanoparticle formation and stabilization. The characterization results indicated the formation of zinc ferrite with characteristic structural features. The study demonstrates that Triticum aestivum can serve as a promising plant-based material for the green synthesis of ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles. This approach offers a simple and environmentally sustainable route for the preparation of zinc ferrite nanoparticles with potential applications in pharmaceutical and biomedical research.

Keywords: ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles, Green synthesis, Triticum aestivum, Zinc ferrite, X-ray diffraction, FTIR spectroscopy.