The Green Synthesis and Characterization of Zero Valent Iron Nanoparticles using Azolla and Blue Green Algal Systems

Iron nanoparticles (nZVI) were synthesized by photosynthetic systems such as Azolla, the water fern and Blue green alga (Westiellopsis). No additional polymers or capping agents were used as reducers in the synthesis of nZVI. The zero-valent iron nanoparticles were entrapped or capped by polyols (functional compounds) present in the biological materials. The morphology, size and structure of green synthesized iron nanoparticles using Azolla and Blue Green algae (AnZVI & BGAnZVI) were confirmed by Particle Size Analyzer (PSA), UV-visible spectroscopy (UVvis), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and energy-Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDAX). The nanoparticles agglomerated clusters were ranging from 70-430 nm and due to biologic coating, the green nanoparticles possessed good stability. Since green synthesized nZVI emerged as potential ecofriendly nanomaterials in the field of environmental remediation, pharmaceutical and industrial level, these A-nZVI and BGA-nZVI indicate enhanced potential to serve as green nanomaterial in various applications.