A comprehensive review on current trends in greener and sustainable synthesis of ferrite nanoparticles and their promising applications

Magnetic nanoparticles, particularly nanosized spinel ferrites, have emerged as promising materials in science, engineering, and medicine due to their unique and intriguing properties achieved through various synthesis methods. These nanoparticles play crucial roles in research, commercial products, and biomedical applications. The increasing interest in green synthesis methods for magnetic nanoparticles and their nanocomposites is driven by their significance in diverse fields, including medicine, engineering, and environmental remediation. Recently, there has been a burgeoning focus on green-synthesized ferrite nanoparticles, (MFe2O4, where M = Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn, and Mg) and their nanocomposites, which find diverse applications in various chemical, bio-logical, and environmental reactions. This review highlights the latest research conducted over the last four years on green synthesis methods for producing nanosized ferrites, ferrites containing additional elements, and their nanocomposites, particularly focusing on plant and microorganism-mediated synthesis techniques. The surface properties of green-synthesized ferrite nanomaterials and their applications in energy, sensors, water treatment, antimicrobial activity, heavy metal removal, and biomedical applications are discussed. This review facilitates a comprehensive understanding of green-synthesized ferrites, incorporating the latest research findings and advancements. A thorough knowledge of green synthesis, properties, and applications is highlighted for maximizing the potential of nanoferrites in diverse fields.