Green synthesis of Fe2O3 nanoparticles using fruit extract of Cornus mas L. and its growth-promoting roles in Barley

Iron oxide nanoparticle fabrications have gained increasing attention owing to their vital role in industrial application. Taking green synthesis of nano-products into account, this experiment was conducted to provide a simple, facile, economic, and fast procedure for the biosynthesis of Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles using fruit extracts of Cornelian cherry. The FTIR spectroscopy revealed that hydroxyl and amino groups have the ability to perform dual functions of reduction and stabilization of iron oxide nanoparticles. XRD analysis manifested the crystal structure of the Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticle. The SEM image of synthesized Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticle demonstrated the morphology of nanoparticles is spherical. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed very fine spherical Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles ranging from 20 to 40 nm. The EDXRF spectra displayed only iron and oxygen elements, which implies that the sample is highly pure Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticle. The Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticle and its bulk form at the concentrations ranging from 10 to 100 mg L −1 showed statistically significant stimulation in both root and shoot biomass. However, Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticle was more effective than the bulk to stimulate barley growth. The findings may be functionalized in the production and formulations of nano-based fertilizers.