Green synthesis of NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles and evaluation of their photocatalytic activities

Abstract

Studies on the potential applications of nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized by biological methods attract the attention of researchers. First time in this study, photocatalytic activities of NiFe₂O₄ NPs synthesized with pomegranate fruit peel extract were determined against brilliant blue. Surface charge and dynamic size of NPs were detected at −11 mV, and 405 nm, respectively. According to scanning electron microscopy images, NiFe₂O₄ NPs have spherical morphology with a diameter of 75 nm. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used for the determination of elemental composition, crystallinity, and functional groups of NPs, respectively. As a result, it was determined that NiFe₂O₄ NPs were effective for remediation (65%, for 3 h) of dye. The catalytic activity of NiFe₂O₄ NPs refers to the Fenton mechanism.

Keywords:

• Biosynthesis
• nanoparticles
• photocatalytic activities
• Punica granatum

Acknowledgment

We would like to thank the TÜBİTAK 2209-A University Students Research Projects Support Program for their support, coded 1919B011804389.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.