Green synthesis of Cu, Fe, and Cu/Fe nanomaterials using Khaya senegalensis and investigation of their photocatalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol and antibacterial properties

Authors

  • J. I. Kuv
    Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria
  • J. A. Attah
    Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria
  • I Hassan
    Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria
  • O. G. Uyi
    Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria
  • A. D. Terna
    Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria
  • M. E. Binin
    Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria
  • A. H. Labulo
    Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria
  • A. A. Idzi
    Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria
  • M. Isah
    Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria
  • S. M. Idris
    Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria
  • M. A. Alabi
    Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria
  • K. A. Ojedoja
    Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria
  • A. Y. Danas
    Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria
  • F. O. Ogungbemiro
    CBIOS-Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande 376, Lisboa, Portugal
  • F. H. Omotehinwa
    Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Nigeria
  • J. O. Anebi
    CBIOS-Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande 376, Lisboa, Portugal

Keywords:

Green synthesis, Catalytic properties, Antibacterial activity, Bimetallic nanoparticles, Khaya senegalensis

Abstract

The persistent environmental and health threats posed by nitroaromatic pollutants particularly 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), and the rise of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens demand sustainable, efficient, and eco-friendly remediation strategies. To address these challenges, this study aimed to develop monometallic (CuO and Fe₂O₃) and bimetallic (CuO/Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles via a green, one-pot synthesis using Khaya senegalensis leaf extract, leveraging its rich phytochemical content (notably flavonoids and tannins) as natural reducing and capping agents. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, XRD, FTIR, and HAADF STEM, confirming the formation of spherical, monodispersed particles (20–50 nm) with distinct surface plasmon resonance peaks at 224 nm (CuO), 290 nm (Fe₂O₃), and a redshifted peak at 295 nm (CuO/Fe₂O₃). The XRD analysis revealed the crystallite sizes of CuO, Fe2O3 and CuO/Fe₂O₃ NPs to be 26, 22 and 28 nm, respectively. Bimetallic CuO/Fe₂O₃ nanocomposite demonstrated exceptional photocatalytic efficiency, achieving complete reduction of 4-NP to 4-aminophenol in just 2 minutes, over 50% faster than monometallic counterparts. Furthermore, it exhibited potent antibacterial activity, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 8 µg/mL against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, and 40 µg/mL against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, alongside minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of 16 µg/mL and 80 µg/mL, respectively. These results underscore the multifunctional potential of K. senegalensis-derived CuO/Fe₂O₃ nanocomposites as green, high-performance agents for simultaneous environmental detoxification and antimicrobial applications. We recommend their further development for scalable water treatment and as alternatives to conventional antibiotics, particularly against resilient Gram-negative pathogens.

Dimensions

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Published

2025-12-31

How to Cite

Green synthesis of Cu, Fe, and Cu/Fe nanomaterials using Khaya senegalensis and investigation of their photocatalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol and antibacterial properties. (2025). Recent Advances in Natural Sciences, 3(2), 236. https://doi.org/10.61298/rans.2025.3.2.236

Issue

Volume 3, Issue 2, December 2025 (In Progress)

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Articles
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Copyright (c) 2025 J. I. Kuv, J. A. Attah, I Hassan, O. G. Uyi, A. D. Terna, M. E. Binin, A. H. Labulo, A. A. Idzi, M. Isah, S. M. Idris, M. A. Alabi, K. A. Ojedoja, A. Y. Danas, F. O. Ogungbemiro, F. H. Omotehinwa, J. O. Anebi

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Green synthesis of Cu, Fe, and Cu/Fe nanomaterials using Khaya senegalensis and investigation of their photocatalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol and antibacterial properties. (2025). Recent Advances in Natural Sciences, 3(2), 236. https://doi.org/10.61298/rans.2025.3.2.236