Green Synthesis of Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles via Imperata cylindrica Extract for Dual Application in Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B Dye and Antibacterial Activity

Nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) were synthesized using an eco-friendly green method employing Imperata cylindrica extract. The synthesized NiO NPs on the nanoscale and their morphology, sizes, surface area, and optical properties were characterized using various analytical techniques such as UV-visible, FTIR, EDX, FE-SEM, and AFM. This study explored the phytochemicals present in Imperata cylindrica that contribute to its bio-reducing capabilities, utilizing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Additionally, the catalytic potential of NiO NPs was investigated for the degradation of rhodamine B, a hazardous environmental contaminant found in water bodies. The degradation process was examined under various experimental conditions, including different catalyst loadings, irradiation sources (UVC, UVB, UVA, and halogen lamps), reaction media, and the use of NaOCl as an activating agent for the catalysts. Antibacterial properties of NiO NPs against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria were studied.