Abstract

The copper mining industry generates substantial quantities of tailings, which, although posing environmental risks, also serve as a potential source of raw materials for future use. This study presents a sustainable method for synthesizing hematite nanoparticles (Fe2O3 NPs) by using iron extracted from these tailings and a mango peel waste extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The NPs were characterized using various techniques, including UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, SEM-EDS, AFM, LDV, and DLS. The analyses confirmed the formation of stable, crystalline, oval-shaped Fe2O3 NPs with an average size of 16.5 to 28 nm. FTIR analysis revealed that functional groups from the mango peel extract were present on the surface of the Fe2O3 NPs, indicating their role in the nucleation and stabilization process. LDV and DLS measurements showed suiTable colloidal stability, although some particle agglomeration was observed at higher iron concentrations. While EDS analysis didn't detect significant contamination in the synthesized Fe2O3 NPs, more sensitive trace-level analyses are needed to confirm their purity for potential applications, such as photocatalysis and environmental remediation. These findings highlight the viability of using mining waste and agricultural by-products for the sustainable production of hematite NPs, offering an environmentally friendly and economically sound alternative to traditional synthesis methods.