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Green Synthesis of Nano-Sized Multiflower-like Fe3O4@SiO2/L-Tryptophan from Natural Resources and Agricultural Waste:
Maryam Shirvani1, Tianjian Zhang2, Yanlong Gu2
1Nano Photocatalysis Lab., Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71946-84795, Iran.
Abstract:
This study presents a novel, eco-friendly, and cost-effective magnetic hybrid photocatalyst, Fe3O4@SiO2/L-tryptophan, synthesized through a scalable three-step green approach using natural and agricultural waste. The Fe3O4@SiO2/L-tryptophan nanoparticle features a core-shell structure with a high surface area (63.14 m2/g), strong visible-light absorption (λ > 448 nm), a narrow band gap (1.84 eV), and superparamagnetic properties (22 emu/g), enabling efficient separation and reusability. Characterization techniques (XRD, XPS, FT-IR, FE-SEM, HR-TEM, UV-vis DRS, TGA, BET, and EIS) confirmed its structural stability, charge separation, and interfacial charge transport. The photocatalyst achieved 82.1% oxidative desulfurization of dibenzothiophene (DBT) and high conversion rates for toluene (85%) and styrene (90%) under visible light using O2 as an oxidant. It retained over 85% activity after five cycles, demonstrating excellent durability. For the first time, all components are derived from natural sources: Fe3O4 from sorghum seed extract, SiO2 from rice husk, and L-tryptophan for enhanced light absorption and charge separation. This sustainable synthesis reduces chemical waste and energy consumption, setting a new benchmark for environmentally friendly photocatalysts.
