Multifunctional application of different iron oxide nanoparticles

Abstract

Iron oxide nanoparticles have found wide applications in different fields of biomedicine and advanced catalytic applications. Several studies have suggested using iron oxide nanoparticle (Fe₂O₃-NPs) be a potential candidate for antibacterial activity assessment. Iron oxide nanoparticles, apart from being available extensively and cheap, also plays a vital part in multiple biological processes, making it an interesting choice of selection. The aim of the present study revolves around synthesis and characterization of iron oxide Fe₂O₃-NPs, followed by assessment of its antimicrobial activities and its catalytic behaviour. Synthesis of Fe₂O₃-NPs was performed by co-precipitation approach, and commercial iron oxide samples were studied for the comparison. The silver nanoparticles were also doped to the iron oxide nanoparticles and studied for the synergic effect. The samples characterization was done by UV-visible, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with EDS and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman Spectroscopy (RAMAN). Antimicrobial activity was checked by agar diffusion assay against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. The electrode performance of the iron oxide samples was done by cyclic voltammetry to explore their application in the energy storage and sensor.