Harmonizing nature’s blueprint: enhanced synthesis of CuO nanoparticles using Trigonella foenum-graecum for advanced water purification

• Published in: Hyperfine interactions 2024-05, Vol.245 (1), Article 80
• Main Authors: Kumar, Shivam, Kumar, Sanjeev, Kaur, Harpreet, Rani, Diksha, Singh, Shaiban, Gaur, Jyoti, Misra, Mrinmoy, Singh, Amanpreet
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Atomic; Chemical synthesis; Condensed Matter Physics; Contaminants; Copper oxides; Crystallites; Dyes; Electron diffraction; Energy bands; Fourier transforms; Hadrons; Heavy Ions; Infrared analysis; Molecular; Nanoparticles; Nuclear Physics; Optical and Plasma Physics; Optical properties; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; Surfaces and Interfaces; Thin Films; Water purification
• ISSN: 3005-0731; 0304-3843; 3005-0731; 1572-9540
• DOI: 10.1007/s10751-024-01915-z

Addressing the pressing challenge of developing sustainable and cost-effective nanoparticle synthesis methods, this study introduces an innovative approach to green nanotechnology. We present a novel method for fabricating copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) by harnessing the unique properties of Trigonella foenum-graecum (TFG) extract. Through thorough X-ray diffraction analysis, this work confirms the successful synthesis of CuO, distinguished by its monoclinic phase and remarkably small crystallite size of 6.23 nm, indicative of enhanced reactivity and surface area. Further elucidation via Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy reveals the intricate functionalization of CuO with TFG phytochemicals, providing insights into the surface chemistry and potential interactions with environmental contaminants. Mainly, the crystalline structure of the synthesized CuO is unequivocally affirmed through selected area electron diffraction signals, corroborating the purity and crystallinity of the nanoparticles. Emphasizing the distinctiveness of our synthesis method, the emergence of well-defined absorption peaks at 271 nm and 375 nm and energy band gaps of 3.58 eV and 4.00 eV underscores the efficient fabrication of CuO nanoparticles with tailored optical properties, crucial for various applications, including photocatalysis. FESEM visualization revealed spherical forms and interconnected cylindrical structures, while HRTEM analysis confirmed the heterogeneous nature of the nanoparticles. Equally impressive is the demonstrated capability of the synthesized nanoparticles in degrading methyl green (MG) dye, a notorious environmental pollutant known for its persistence and adverse effects. Leveraging a concentration of 200 mg L − 1 , our findings demonstrate a remarkable 97% removal of dye (initial concentration 100 mg L − 1 ) achieved within a concise 100-minute timeframe, driven by pseudo-first-order kinetics.