One–pot green synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles using Inula Viscosa leaf extract as an efficient photocatalyst for organic dyes removal

Abstract

In this research, TiO₂ nanoparticles (TiO₂-NPs) were prepared via a green synthesis using Inula Viscosa aqueous extract, which has not been stated for the preparation of TiO₂-based nanomaterials. Different calcination temperatures (400, 500, and 600 °C) were used to examine their effect on the properties and the photoactivity of TiO₂. Multiple characterization methods were employed to assess the different features of the prepared materials. The detected phenolic compounds in the investigated plant through the phytochemical analysis acted as a capping agent that has a vital role in the development of nanosized TiO₂ oxide. According to the structural analysis, the obtained nanoparticles have a consistent distribution over the sample surface and are about 9–18 nm in size. Results also confirmed the occurrence of pure anatase phase TiO₂ nanoparticles at all calcination temperatures. The photoactivity was analyzed for the degradation of methylene blue and tartrazine organic dyes. TiO₂-NPs calcined at 500 °C exhibited the best photocatalytic performances where a complete removal efficiency (100 %) toward both pollutants was achieved in only 60 min of UV irradiation. As a photocatalyst, the synthesized TiO₂-NPs outperformed many of the greenly reported nanomaterials in literature.