Abstract
In this article, Bio-treatment of alpha-Fe2O3 nanostructure using Phyllanthus niruri and Moringa stenopetala leaf extract as an effective reducing agent is carried out. The preparation of the rhombohedral alpha-Fe2O3 nanostructure is confirmed using X-ray diffraction analysis. The adsorption of biomolecules on the surface of the alpha-Fe2O3 nanostructure is confirmed using FT-IR. The chemical state analysis of green treated alpha-Fe2O3 nanoparticles was carried out using XPS techniques and it confirms the existence of Fe-2p and O-1s elements. The surface area of Moringa stenopetala leaf extract treated alpha-Fe2O3 nanoparticles were identified using BET analysis and it is found to be 58 m(2)/g. The formation of spherical shaped alpha-Fe2O3 nanoparticles was identified using HR-TEM analysis and EDX reveals the absence of any other impurities. The reactive species trapping experiment confirms the rapid production of O-2(center dot-) and (OH)-O-center dot radicals during photocatalytic process. The degradation efficiency of PNFO and MSFO against MB after 180 min was estimated to be 92% and 96%, respectively. The degradation efficiency of PNFO and MSFO against phenol after 240 min was estimated to be 90% and 92%, respectively.