Green synthesis of niobium (V) oxide nanoparticles using pecan nutshell (Carya illinoinensis) and evaluation of its antioxidant activity

Niobium is a metal that has been attracting great interest in producing high-technology materials, in which niobium oxide nanoparticles (Nb2O5-NPs) are inserted. In this context, the present study aims to develop and characterize structurally and morphologically niobium (V) oxide nanoparticles (Nb2O5-NPs) by the green synthesis method from pecan nutshell (C. illinoinensis) extract. Nb2O5-NPs were characterized by Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and N2 porosimetry (BET/BJH method). The antioxidant potential of the pecan nutshell extract was determined for the quantification of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. The XRD diffractogram showed that the Nb2O5-NPs presented a semicrystalline structure with the presence of the pseudohexagonal phase of Nb2O5. The ATR-FTIR spectrum confirmed the presence of a band vibration of the Nb-O at 600 cm−1. The Nb2O5-NPs presented spherical morphology according to the SEM micrography with a specific surface area of 1.72 m2 g−1 and 36.31 nm pore diameter (isotherm type III) by the N2 porosimetry. The pecan nutshell extract showed the presence of polyphenols (336.8 mgAG mL−1) and flavonoids (200.1 mgCt mL−1), demonstrating the high potential to act as a bioreducing and stabilizing agent for the green synthesis of Nb2O5-NPs. Therefore, the green synthesis of Nb2O5-NPs is feasible with potential application in different fields. [Display omitted] •C. illinoinensis nutshell extract has potential for green synthesis applications.•Green Nb2O5-NPs have been synthesized using C. illinoinensis shells extract.•Nb2O5-NPs presented mesoporous, rough morphology, and low specific surface area.