Facile one step microwave assisted biofabrication of Fe2O3 NPs: potential application as solar light-driven photocatalyst in the photodegradation of acridine orange

Abstract

ABSTRACT The utilisation of a recently developed green approach for synthesising iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3NPs) is highly promising, given its low toxicity and environmentally benevolent attributes. In this investigation, Fe2O3 NPs were produced through the utilisation of ferric chloride hexahydrate, incorporating Permelia perleta ;(lichen) extract under standard atmospheric conditions. The development of Fe2O3 NPs was verified through a systematic characterization process by employing UV FTIR, XRD, and FE SEM studies. The average crystallite size of the developed sample was found to be 20 nm determined by using Debye – Scherrer equation. The efficacy of the developed Fe2O3 NPs as a photocatalyst in eliminating acridine orange was evaluated, highlighting key factors such as catalyst dosage, initial dye concentration, and pH. Augmenting the quantity of Fe2O3 NPs amplified the decolourisation of the dyes, reaching a peak of 70% dye degradation at pH 2 after 2 h with a catalyst dose of 0.9 g/L. The most pronounced effect was observed against Bacillus subtilis (22 mm), whereas the least impact was noted for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14 mm). Furthermore, the developed nanoparticles underwent antioxidant activity analysis, revealing that 1 gm of nanoparticles possesses antioxidant activity equivalent to 4.22 mg of ascorbic acid.