Polymer/phytochemical mediated eco-friendly synthesis of Cu/Zn doped hematite nanoparticles revealing biological properties and photocatalytic activity

Abstract

Unique magnetically recoverable copper/zinc-doped hematite nanoparticles, were synthesized by using a co-precipitation process with polymer polyvenylpyrodine and an aqueous extract of the Azadirachta indica plant serving as the capping and stabilizing agent. Hematite nanoparticles are the most stable form of iron oxide at room temperature, the presented work concentrated on the effects and comparisons of chemically and green synthesized doped materials that serve a dual role as reducing agents: supporting biomedical application and catalyzing environmental cleanup through photocatalysis. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction, UV–vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, vibrating-sample magnetometry, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy techniques to examine the produced material. The average grain size for doped hematite nanoparticles was found to be 13.33–19.90 nm based on X-ray diffraction measurements. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy spectrum demonstrates the function of the biomolecules in the extract in capping the nanoparticles. The ferrimagnetic character of the produced nanoparticles demonstrated by the Vibrating-sample magnetometer investigation showed dependence at 300 K. According to the phytochemical study, A. indica has components that enhance its photocatalytic and antioxidant activity. In comparison, chemical/green synthesized doped hematite nanoparticles demonstrated noticeably higher photocatalytic activity for the oxidative breakdown of hazardous organic dyes Rhodamine blue and Congo red. Additionally, the photocatalyst displayed outstanding stability for the reaction. Radical scavenger assays 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) were used to measure antioxidant capability. Based on the assay, the bran and husk fractions displayed higher levels of antioxidant activity. This research is regarded as a novel step in the production of doped hematite nanoparticles with particular photocatalytic and biological characteristics for wide use in environmental, and agricultural areas.