Facile one-pot preparation of V₂O₅-Fe₂O₃ nanocomposites using Foeniculum vulgare extracts and their catalytic property

Metal oxide nanocomposite has become more attention research considered as multifunctional materials. The development of synthesis method of nanocomposite is an essential aspect primarily to obtain eco-friendly and easy preparation materials. Herein, we present for the first time a facile approach for the preparation of V₂O₅-Fe₂O₃ nanocomposites by a one-pot sol–gel via Foeniculum vulgare extracts and their catalytic property in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol with a reducing agent of NaBH₄. The FT-IR result revealed that the secondary metabolites content in Foeniculum vulgare extracts plays a significant role as capping and hydrolyzing agents. The TEM image showed that the particle size of V₂O₅-Fe₂O₃ nanocomposites was 90 nm. Moreover, the reduction of 4-nitrophenol over V₂O₅, Fe₂O₃, and V₂O₅-Fe₂O₃ were investigated. Among them, V₂O₅-Fe₂O₃ nanocomposites exhibited the highest catalytic property for reduction of 4-nitrophenol. The significant improvement of catalytic property was observed by the presence of Fe₂O₃, which has a significant role in facilitating a rapid electron transfer between 4-nitrophenol and NaBH₄. Moreover, the increase of catalytic property over 94% to reduce 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol could be attributed to the synergistic effects between V₂O₅ and Fe₂O₃ in the V₂O₅-Fe₂O₃ nanocomposites as an efficient reduction catalyst.