Green synthesis of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles using plant extracts and their applications: A review

Magnetic nanoparticles, particularly ZnFe2O4 are of enormous significance in biomedical and water treatment fields. However, chemical synthesis of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles endures some major limitations, e.g., the use of toxic sub-stances, unsafe procedure, and cost-ineffectiveness. Biological methods are more preferable approaches since they take advantages of biomolecules available in plant extract serving as reducing, capping, and stabilizing agents. Herein, we review plant-mediated synthesis and properties of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles for multiple applications in catalytic and adsorption performance, biomedical, catalyst, and others. Effect of several factors such as Zn2+/Fe3+/extract ratio, and calcination temperature on morphology, surface chemistry, particle size, magnetism and bandgap energy of ob-tained ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles was discussed. The photocatalytic activity and adsorption for removal of toxic dyes, an-tibiotics, and pesticides were also evaluated. Main results of antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer activities for biomedical applications were summarized and compared. Several limitations and prospects of green ZnFe2O4 as an al-ternative to traditional luminescent powders have been proposed.