Rihab Jabbar
Due to its distinct magnetic, electrical, and chemical properties, the green synthesis of cobalt ferrite (CoFeO₄) nanoparticles (NPs) has garnered considerable attention. This review comprehensively examines the fundamentals, methodologies, and applications of green-synthesised CoFe₂O₄ NPs, emphasising plant, fungal, bacterial, and bio-waste sources. These biogenic approaches reduce the need for toxic precursors and energy-intensive conditions and enable the tunable synthesis of nanoparticle morphology and functionality through the bioactive constituents of natural extracts. The synthesized NPs exhibit diverse structural and magnetic characteristics, with crystallite sizes ranging from 5 to 146 nm, and saturation magnetization values influenced by the type of precursor and synthesis conditions. Applications span antimicrobial agents, photocatalysts, biosensors, drug delivery systems, magnetic hyperthermia agents, and water purification technologies. A comparative analysis highlights advantages, limitations, and emerging trends of different green synthesis sources. This review highlights the novelty of green synthesis in offering scalable, eco-friendly, and multifunctional pathways for industrial, environmental, and biomedical applications.