This research suggests
a green method for synthesizing hybrid magnetic
nanocomposites that can be used as a reductant and a stabilizing agent
for immobilizing metal nanoparticles (NPs). The central idea is the modification of magnetic
NPs using
Rubia tinctorum
extract,
which consists of numerous carbonyl and phenolic hydroxyl functional
groups to increase adsorption of metals and chelate silver ions, and
decrease the adsorption of silver ions by Ag NPs, in situ. Thus, the
suggested catalyst preparation process does not require toxic reagents,
additional reductants, and intricate instruments. To show the effectiveness
of the plant extract in reducing and immobilizing Ag NPs, the structural,
morphological, and physicochemical features of the particles are studied
using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, inductively coupled
plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy,
energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission
electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, X-ray diffraction
analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. One of the advantages
of the suggested method is to reduce the size of the magnetic NPs
from 15–20 to 2–5 nm, in the presence of the extract.
Additionally, the prepared Fe
3
O
4
@
R. tinctorum
/Ag nanocatalyst is demonstrated to exhibit
a very high activity in the catalysis of the three-component reaction
of aldehydes, amines, and alkynes (A
3
coupling) with good
to high yields of diverse propargylamines. Moreover, the nanocatalyst
can be recovered several times with no considerable leaching or loss
of performance.