Comprehensive study on antibacterial, antioxidant, and photocatalytic activity of iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized using Helianthemum lippii (L.) pers

This study reports an environmentally friendly and cost-effective methodology for synthesizing hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles (NPs) using a plant extract from Helianthemum Lippii (L.) pers with various aqueous ferric chloride (FeCl₃) concentrations. The composition, morphology, crystallinity, and particle size of α-Fe₂O₃ were influenced by varying the precursor solution concentration (0.1, 0.07, and 0.04 M). Characterization of the synthesized α-Fe₂O₃ NPs was performed using FT-IR, UV-Visible spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, and EDS, confirming their homogeneity and physical characteristics. SEM analysis revealed that the α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles exhibited a variety of shapes, including spheres and irregular forms, with sizes ranging from 24 to 30 nm. Additionally, the study found that as the precursor concentration increased from 0.04 M to 0.1 M, the direct bandgap values decreased from 3.16 eV to 2.53 eV, while the indirect bandgap values also decreased from 2.23 eV to 1.94 eV, indicating potential for photocatalytic applications. The α-Fe₂O₃ NPs demonstrated high efficiency, making them suitable for use as antibacterial and antioxidant agents, as well as in photocatalytic degradation to remove dyes from wastewater generated by industrial dyeing processes.