PHYTONANOFABRICATION OF MAGNETIC IRON OXIDE NANOPARTICLES USING CYMBOPOGON CITRATUS AND HYLOCEREUS UNDATUS: APPLICATION IN THE PHOTOCATALYTIC DEGRADATION OF CATIONIC DYE

Abstract

This dissertation explores an eco-friendly way of synthesizing magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles using lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) leaf and dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) peel extract. To analyse iron oxide nanoparticles formation, characterization techniques were performed such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX), Vibrating-sample Magnetometry (VSM) and Zeta Potential measurements. The sample prepared using lemon grass extract was exposed to UV light and used as a photocatalyst for the decomposition of methylene blue (MB) dye. This photocatalyst under light exposure displayed a significant capability, as these nanoparticles decomposed 93% of MB dye within a span of 120 minutes. The phytonanofabrication of iron oxide nanoparticles has potential as photocatalyst in degrading textile dye for dye removal as wastewater remediation.