An Efficient Green Protocol for Photo-Degradation of Bromophenol Blue Dye

Green synthesis is a simple, healthy, ecofriendly approach that has captivated the scientific community's focus worldwide. Recoverable biogenic hematite photocatalyst was fabricated via a one-step green method from a natural bio-waste precursor, namely Psidium guajava leaves. The synthesized product was given the name G-Fe2O3-NP's. It was monitored and fully characterized by various analytical techniques, and its photocatalytic activity has been studied for the degradation of aqueous bromophenol blue dye. The pure rhombohedral hematite phase of alpha-Fe2O3 with needle-like shape crystals of an average size similar to(40-50) nm was confirmed via scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis displayed that BET surface area and mean pore diameter of the as-synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles were 15.8 m(2) g(-1) and 14.9 nm, respectively. Results revealed complete degradation of the non-biodegradable dye in 12 min. Furthermore, 97% mineralization was confirmed by TOC removal. Reusability study for the photocatalyst was conducted for five successive cycles and indicated high efficiency of the synthesized hematite in visible light. Additionally, G-Fe2O3-NP's were examined for their antibacterial and antioxidant activities. It showed activity towards both Pseudomonas aureginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and mild antioxidant activity.