The formation of iron nanoparticles by Eucalyptus leaf extract and used to remove Cr(VI).

The advantages of green synthesized iron nanoparticles by plant extracts include simplicity, high efficiency and sustainability. However, there are limitations in our understanding of the formation of Fe NPs. In this report, the synthesized iron nanoparticles by eucalyptus leaf extract (Fe NPs) showed that Cr(VI) removal efficiency reached approximately 100% at volume ratio of leaf extract and iron(III) solution of 2:1 and pH 4. In addition, the morphology, surface and compositions of Fe NPs were characterized by various techniques. The diameter distribution of 95 ± 5 nm with a capping layer was observed, containing polyphenols and aliphatic acids confirmed by FTIR and XRD. XPS indicated that Fe NPs contained iron oxides, as well as a layer covering on Fe NPs created by biomolecules from eucalyptus leaf extract. Furthermore, the biomolecules identified by GC-MS indicated that alcohol phenols and alkylaldehyde acted as reducing agents, while alcohol acids, alkanols, phytols, acetate and aromatic ketones acted as capping agents. It can be concluded that aldehydes, phenols and alcoholic compounds played dominant roles during the synthesis of Fe NPs. Finally, the mechanism for the formation of Fe NPs was proposed, including both that of Fe NPs and capped Fe NPs.