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This study addresses the critical need for efficient and recyclable photocatalysts for water treatment applications by presenting a novel approach for the synthesis and characterization of copper (I) oxide (Cu2O) nanoparticles modified with ascorbic acid (Cu2O/AA). The motivation for this research stems from the increasing concern about environmental pollution caused by organic pollutants, such as Brilliant Cresyl Blue (BCB), and the necessity for sustainable solutions to mitigate this issue. Through comprehensive characterization techniques including Ultraviolet–Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), zeta potential measurements, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, we demonstrate a significant modification to the electronic structure, enhancing the photocatalytic activity of Cu2O/AA. BET analysis revealed a mesoporous structure with a specific surface area of 2.7247 m2/g for Cu2O/AA, further emphasizing its potential for enhanced catalytic performance. The photocatalytic degradation studies showcased remarkable efficiency improvements, with degradation coefficients of 30.8% and 73.12% for Cu2O NPs and Cu2O/AA NC, respectively, within a 120 min timeframe. Additionally, recyclability experiments indicated sustained efficiency over five consecutive cycles, with both catalysts retaining crystalline integrity. These findings underscore the promising potential of Cu2O/AA nanoparticles as highly efficient and recyclable photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants, offering superior performance compared to pure Cu2O NPs and addressing the pressing need for sustainable water treatment solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the elimination of two different organic dyes, m-toluidine and p-toluidine, utilizing the photocatalytic activity of Mg decorated ZnO nanoparticles that were biosynthesized using a biomass (Portulaca oleracea plant extract). The chemical and physical characteristics of Mg@ZnO nanoparticles were investigated using a variety of characterization techniques, including FTIR, UV, XRD, and SEM. Mg@ZnO nanoparticles organic dyes removal was then compared with pure ZnO nanoparticles. The characterization results have confirmed the biosynthesis of Mg@ZnO nanoparticles with a crystallite size ranged between 22 and 21 nm and band gap of 2.64 eV. The photocatalytic activity results have shown a significant organic dyes removal, where 100% of both m-toluidine and p-toluidine were removed within 60 min. The obtained results prove Mg@ZnO nanoparticles efficiency and its potential use as cost effective and safe alternative for water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green biosynthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) using plant extract is desired, as the plant extract is safe for humans and the environment. In this study, magnetite Fe3O4 NPs were greenly prepared using Punica granatum L. fruit peel extract as a reducing and capping agent. The effect of iron precursor contraction (0.01–0.1 M, FeCl3) was studied. The Fe3O4 crystalline with an average crystallite size range from 21 to 23 nm was proven by X-ray powder diffraction. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the synthesized Fe3O4 NPs were mostly cubical. Ultraviolet-visible spectra showed that the prepared Fe3O4 NPs exhibit absorption at 270 nm related to the Fe3O4 NPs with a direct bandgap ranging from 1.87 to 2.26 eV and indirect bandgap of 2.16–2.48 eV. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed two characteristic absorption bands at 515 and 567 cm−1, which proved the successful formation of Fe3O4. The proposed method using Punica granatum L. fruit peel extract offers an economical and environmentally friendly route for synthesizing many other types of metal oxides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artemisia herba-alba is a medicinal plant, and its essential oil is used as an antiseptic and antispasmodic. In this study, green synthesis of silver/silver oxide (Ag/Ag2O) nanoparticles was successfully synthesized from Artemisia Herba-Alba aqueous leaves extract. The effect of temperature, reaction time, the concentration of AgNO3, the quantity of plant extract, and pH on the synthesis process of Ag/Ag2O was optimized. More interesting, the results showed that only 5 min were required for reducing 1 mM AgNO3 into Ag/Ag2O NPs at room temperature. The crystalline nature of Ag/Ag2O NPs with an average crystallize size of 10.7-36.8 nm. The green synthesizing Ag/Ag2O NPs having in general a spherical morphology with particle/aggregate size less than 100 nm. The maximum UV-Vis absorption peak of Ag/Ag2O NPs was observed at the range of 418-435 nm giving optical band gaps of 2.05-2.30 eV. The TGA/DTA analysis shows significant organic contents (18 wt%) were physically and chemically adsorbed on the dry weight Ag/Ag2O NPs. Artemisia herba-alba is a source of phytochemicals for effective and prompt fabrication of Ag/Ag2O NPs with relevant insecticidal and anti-bactericidal activity against species of high public health importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, silver/silver oxide nanoparticles (Ag/Ag2O NPs) were successfully biosynthesized using Phoenix dactylifera L. aqueous leaves extract. The effect of different plant extract/precursor contractions (volume ratio, v/v%) on Ag/Ag2O NP formation, their optical properties, and photocatalytic activity towards azo dye degradation, i.e., Congo red (CR) and methylene blue (MB), were investigated. X-ray diffraction confirmed the crystalline nature of Ag/Ag2O NPs with a crystallite size range from 28 to 39 nm. Scanning electron microscope images showed that the Ag/Ag2O NPs have an oval and spherical shape. UV–vis spectroscopy showed that Ag/Ag2O NPs have a direct bandgap of 2.07–2.86 eV and an indirect bandgap of 1.60–1.76 eV. Fourier transform infrared analysis suggests that the synthesized Ag/Ag2O NPs might be stabilized through the interactions of -OH and C=O groups in the carbohydrates, flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids present in Phoenix dactylifera L. Interestingly, the prepared Ag/Ag2O NPs showed high catalytic degradation activity for CR dye. The photocatalytic degradation of the azo dye was monitored spectrophotometrically in a wavelength range of 250–900 nm, and a high decolorization efficiency (84.50%) was obtained after 50 min of reaction. As a result, the use of Phoenix dactylifera L. aqueous leaves extract offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the synthesis, characterization, and application of ZnO/SnO2 nanocomposite (ZnO/SnO2 NC), focusing on their photocatalytic and antioxidant properties. The sol-gel technique was utilized for the synthesis of the ZnO/SnO2 NC. Subsequent characterization was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and UV-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry. The XRD analysis indicated crystallite dimensions of 15 nm for ZnO/SnO2 and 21 nm for pure ZnO NPs. The photocatalytic efficiency was assessed by the degradation of Toluidine Blue (TB) and m-Toluidine Blue (m-TB) dyes. The ZnO/SnO2 NC demonstrated degradation rates of 99% for both TB and m-TB within 120 and 140 min of sunlight exposure, respectively. Furthermore, the scavenging activity of superoxide radicals was evaluated, with the ZnO/SnO2 NC exhibiting an Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 48.12 µg∙mL− 1, compared to 60.03 µg∙mL− 1 for pure ZnO. This research highlights the potential of ZnO/SnO2 NC in environmental remediation and biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]