Phytochemical Mediated Green Synthesis of Montmorillonite Nanoclay using Aloe vera Extract: A Sustainable Approach to Nanomaterial Engineering

Abstract

In this study, a phytochemical-mediated green synthesis approach was adopted to fabricate Aloe vera-modified montmorillonite nanoclay under mild aqueous conditions. The investigation focused on the ability of naturally occurring phytochemicals, namely polysaccharides, phenolic compounds and flavonoids, to function as surface-functionalising, dispersing, stabilising and intercalating agents for the structural modification of montmorillonite, eliminating the requirement for hazardous chemical modifiers. The synthesised nanoclay was characterised using XRD, FTIR, SEM, particle size distribution analysis and UV-visible spectroscopy to assess its crystal structure, morphology, particle size and surface chemistry. XRD patterns exhibited distinct changes in basal spacing and crystallinity confirmed the successful incorporation of A. vera-derived phytochemicals within the layered clay structure. FTIR analysis identified characteristic shifts in absorption bands together with spectral broadening, reflecting strong interactions between the phytochemical constituents and the montmorillonite surface. SEM micrographs depicted a less agglomerated morphology accompanied by partial exfoliation of the clay layers. Particle size distribution analysis placed the majority of particles within the 7-60 nm range, which is consistent with the formation of nanosized material. UV-visible spectra reflected the adsorption of A. vera phytochemicals onto the montmorillonite surface, a characteristic associated with successful surface modification through the green synthesis route.