The catalytic and ROS-scavenging activities of green synthesized, antiferromagnetic α-Fe2O3 nanoparticle with a prismatic octahedron morphology from pomegranate rind extract

Phenolic compounds (like 4-nitrophenol) and dyes (like methyl orange) are common by-products discharged by many industries as wastes; they are toxic and may induce discomfort and irritation in humans when ingested. Most of these compounds can be made less toxic through catalytic degradation. Metal oxide nanoparticles are found to have high catalytic activity and can degrade toxic phenolic compounds and dyes. In the current study, pomegranate rind extract was used for the green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles that exhibited an octahedron morphology revealed by scanning electron microscopy analysis. Energy dispersive x-ray analysis showed 47.96% content of Fe (by weight); high resolution-transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed that the nanoparticles had a particle size of 22.54 ± 4.13 nm. The particles were further characterized by x-ray diffraction, fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, and thermogravimetric analysis. The nanoparticle proved to be efficient in reducing 4-nitrophenol and methyl orange. It was also found to be non-toxic towards murine macrophages, RAW 264.7 with good ROS-scavenging potential compared to control.