Honey Synthesizes Fe3O4 Nanoparticles: Green Fabrication and High-Efficiency Heavy Metal Removal

Growing concerns about the environmental and health risks of traditional chemical nanoparticle synthesis have increased interest in greener alternatives. Natural materials like honey offer a sustainable, non-toxic method by leveraging their reducing and stabilizing properties. This study develops an eco-friendly synthesis of magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles using Jordanian honey and tests their ability to remove arsenic (As(III)) and lead (Pb²⁺) from contaminated water. Magnetite was produced via co-precipitation of ferric and ferrous chlorides in a 2:1 molar ratio. Honey was added as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent under nitrogen. The nanoparticles were magnetically separated, purified, and characterized X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and Fourier- transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examined their shape and size, while Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis measured the specific surface area. Zeta potential measurements evaluated particle size and charge. Batch adsorption tests showed the nanoparticles' effectiveness, with kinetic data fitting common models. Characterization confirmed pure magnetite formation, spherical particles of 54 nm, and a specific surface area of 64 m²/g. Zeta potential was +23.17 mV, indicating stability and enhanced adsorption. The nanoparticles achieved complete arsenic removal and 98% lead removal. Kinetic modeling identified chemisorption as the main mechanism. This study demonstrates Jordanian honey as an eco-friendly reagent for producing high-purity, magnetically recoverable Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles with high adsorption capacity and stability, making them ideal for sustainable wastewater treatment.