Recent Advances Review in Plant Extracts-Driven Green Synthesis of Binary-Metal Oxide Nanomaterials for Sustainable...

This review highlights recent advancements in the development of environmentally sustainable and reliable methods for the bio-fabrication of binary metal oxide nanomaterials through plant extract-mediated green methods, with a particular emphasis on Moringa oleifera. Known for its rich profile of bioactive compounds, including vitamins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, it serves as a natural reducing, capping, and chelating agent, facilitating the formation of bimetallic oxide nanostructures (zinc cobalt, zinc iron, and zinc zirconate) through bio-fabrication processes. The plant-derived agents from M. oleifera enhance nanomaterial properties, including catalytic activity, stability, and surface area, making them highly suitable for diverse applications in environmental remediation, biomedicine, energy, and sensing technologies. The motivation for this strategy arises from the necessity for eco-friendly, cost-efficient, and scalable techniques that reduce toxicity and eliminate hazardous chemicals. The review elaborates on the mechanisms underlying the formation of bimetallic oxide nanostructures, specifically zinc cobalt (ZnCo₂O₄), zinc iron (ZnFe₂O₄), and zinc zirconate (ZnZrO₃), through chemical reactions between salt precursors and bioactive compounds extracted from M. oleifera plant natural extract. It emphasizes the principles of green synthesis that align with sustainable nanotechnology, promoting reduced toxicity and cost-effectiveness. This approach addresses the increasing demand for eco-friendly synthetic pathways utilizing plants like M. oleifera, microorganisms, and other biological sources, thereby advancing green chemistry and enabling the development of nanomaterials with enhanced functionalities for practical applications.