Biofabrication of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles using Syzygium samarangense Extracts: Characterization and Evaluation of their Photocatalytic Activity

Abstract

The research work presents the eco-friendly synthesis of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles using an aqueous extract of Syzygium samarangense through a green synthesis approach. The biofabricated TiO₂ nanoparticles were characterized using various techniques, including Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, which revealed a distinctive ball-like morphology. The crystalline size of nanomaterials were determined by X-ray diffraction method. Ultraviolet spectroscopy analysis indicates band gap energy of 3.1 eV, which confirms that nanoparticles are suitable for photocatalytic applications. Phytochemical analysis of the Syzygium samarangense extract demonstrated the presence of key biomolecules such as alkaloids and phenolic compounds, which likely played a crucial role in nanoparticles synthesis and stabilization. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized TiO₂ nanoparticles was evaluated using methylene blue dye degradation under ultraviolet light. The nanoparticles exhibited significant photocatalytic efficiency, with a marked decrease in methylene blue concentration over time, highlighting their potential for environmental remediation. These results demonstrate the viability of green-synthesized TiO₂ nanoparticles for photocatalytic applications, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional methods of nanoparticles fabrication.