Green synthesis of N, B co-doped TiO2 nanoparticles with enhanced photocatalytic and antioxidant activities

Abstract

BackgroundReactive dyes are widely used in the fabric production, and because they are poisonous, and hazardous, their release into the environment today indicates a rise in pollution in the environment. Biosynthetic approach that is also environmentally benign has gained an abundance of recognition for its eco-friendly products, biocompatibility, and long-term economic viability. MethodsIn the present investigation, TiO2 (T) and N, B co-doped-TiO2 (NB-T) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared biologically using mangrove aqueous extract by the sol-gel method to compare their photocatalytic degradation activity of an aqueous solution of reactive red 250 dye (RR250) under visible light irradiation at different times. The antioxidant activities of T and NB-T NPs samples were evaluated. The synthesized samples were characterized using different techniques. Main findingsThe findings showed that photocatalytic degradation activity of NB-T NPs reaches 100 % after 60 min of the degradation process, where it reaches maximum (38.1 %) for T NPs at the highest catalyst dose. The results showed that NB-T NPs have a conformal surface structure and stronger photocatalytic properties than Pure T. Measurements of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) were made, and a significant reduction in values was seen, showing the technique's high potential for removing RR250 dye from aqueous solutions. The NB-T sample showed the maximum activity, as indicated by the estimated IC50 value (34.98 μg/mL). Both T and NB-T NPs showed significant DPPH free radical scavenging activity.