Synthesis of Zr–Fe2O3/In2O3 photocatalyst by novel hydrothermal method for highly selective photo inhibition of pathogens, pollutant degradation and DPPH stabilization

Abstract

Researchers are continuously in searching of inspecting new and exclusive technique and materials to manipulate with environmental circumstances and human life. In the present work Zr–Fe2O3@In2O3 porous nanomatrials were synthesized by new eco-friendly method. The Triton X-100 and green surfactants were utilized as reducing and structure directing agents. Firstly Zr–Fe2O3 was synthesized at different optimized conditions i.e. pH, Temperature and extract concentrations. The results show that the spherical shape and small size of Zr–Fe2O3 was obtained at pH = 9, 50 °C temperature and 20 mL plant extract. The porous nanocomposite was obtained by the treatment of Zr–Fe2O3 with indium oxide. The results also indicated that Zr–Fe2O3@In2O3 nanomaterial is crystalline in nature and have high surface area. The synthesized Zr–Fe2O3@In2O3 nanomaterial was used as a photocatalyst against methylene blue. The irradiation time analysis showed that photo degradation of MB was a rapid process and decomposed 98% in 40 min. The said nanocomposite was also worked as good antibacterial agent and inhibits E. coli and S. aureus. The inhibition zone of the said porous composite in light was 17 (±0.4) against E. coli and 22 (±0.2) against S. aureus. The detail mechanism of action of the synthesized nanomaterial was also studied. The Zr–Fe2O3@In2O3 also shows promising DPPH scavenging activity.