Biogenic PAG-FeNPs from Prunus armeniaca (Gum) as robust colorimetric sensors for methyl orange detection

PAG-FeNPs Fabricated for Methyl Orange detection. • Herein FeNPs have been synthesized by a green method by using apricot gum. • The structure, morphology, and properties of newly synthesized FeNPs were characterized. • A highly sensitive and selective colorimetric and spectrophotometric sensing protocol for methyl orange detection is established by using FeNPs as probes. • The limit of detection of the new method is found to be 13 μM, and the quantification range spans between 10 to 350 μM. • This method is useful in monitoring MOs as pollutants of water and the environment produced by various industries. Biogenic synthesis of nanoparticles is an emerging research area of the scientific community holding versatile and potential applications. The nanoscaled iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) have unique chemical and physical properties. Beside the available physical and chemical methods, the aqueous extract of the Prunus armeniaca Gum (PAG) was employed to promote a green and sustainable approach for the synthesis of FeNPs. The structure and morphology of the FeNPs were characterized by SEM, FTIR, and XRD techniques. And UV–Vis spectrophotometry is employed to study optical properties, time, temperature, and pH dependent stability. Herein PAG-FeNPs has been employed as efficient and cost-effective colorimetric probe for the sensing of methyl orange (MO) for the first time displaying a color change from light orange to dark voilet on exposure to MO. The selectivity of the detection method for MO against various interferences including heavy metals, and organic dyes was examined and sensor’s signal remained unaffected by common interferences. Under ideal detection conditions, the proposed method demonstrates an excellent linear correlation (R 2 = 0.992) in the concentration range of 10–350 µM methyl orange. The limits of detection and limit of quantification are 13 µM and 40 µM, respectively. Moreover, the technique has been successfully employed for detecting methyl orange in self-contaminated tape water samples.