Synthesis, Optimisation and Characterisation of MgO Nanoparticles Using Aqueous Extract of Hurra crepitance Leaf

Abstract

The synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles with plant extract is a promising alternative to chemical methods; therefore, there is a paucity of knowledge on biosynthesis. This work aims to biosynthesize MgO nanoparticles using an aqueous extract of Hurra creptance leaf. The asprepared MgO nanoparticles were prepared based on Response Surface Methodology (RSM) at varying operational conditions like pH, volume, concentration, and calcination temperature. The assynthesized nanoparticle was characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It demonstrated that the formation of MgO in the acidic medium (pH ? 7) was not visible, this results from the low amount of hydroxyl ions (OH-) in the solution, which hinders hydrolysis and condensation processes. The XRD results of the biosynthesized MgO nanoparticles confirmed their monoclinic crystallite structures at the calcination temperature of 800oC and crystallite size of 15.42 nm. The HRTEM and SAED patterns of MgO exhibited spherical shapes and concentric rings relating to the crystalline nature of the particles for a face-centered cubic structure, respectively. Thus, the MgO nanoparticles have the potential for application in catalysis.