Silver immobilized magnetic iron nanoparticles fabricated via green method for detection of cobalt in water and their antibacterial activity

This study reports the eco-friendly synthesis of silver immobilized magnetic iron nanoparticles (MAgNPs) using Zingiber officinale (ginger) peel extract, which serves as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Employing a green synthesis approach, these nanoparticles are fabricated to address environmental and health-related applications. The synthesized MAgNPs demonstrated significant performance in detecting cobalt (Co²⁺) ion in water, with a detection limit reaching as low as 10^–9M. Moreover, the antibacterial activity tests against E. coli and S. aureus exhibited substantial inhibition zones measuring up to 18.8 mm for MAgNPs at a concentration of 125 µg/mL. Structural and physicochemical characterizations were carried out using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray, UV–vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), which confirmed the successful coating of silver on magnetic nanoparticles. The BET analysis revealed a specific surface area of 99.304 m²/g, indicating a high potential for adsorptive applications. This work not only highlights the use of natural waste in nanotechnology but also contributes to the development of nanomaterials with promising applications in the environmental and healthcare sectors, thereby supporting sustainable material development.