Comparative study on photocatalytic degradation and sensor properties of Chonemorpha fragrans leaf extract assisted MgxZn1-xO (0=x=1) nanoparticles

Chonemorpha fragrans leaf extract assisted solution combustion method was carried out for synthesizing MgxZn1-xO (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1) nanoparticles. The obtained samples were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and diffuse reflection spectroscopy techniques. The powder X-ray diffraction patterns of MgxZn1-xO (x = 0 and 1) show pure hexagonal and cubic phases respectively and x = 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 shows mixed phases. The Rietveld refinement study was done to refine structural parameters of x = 0, 0.5, and 1. A scanning electron microscope shows the high agglomeration with increasing x' content. Based on the Williamson-Hall plot, the average size of crystallites was found to be between 25 and 40 nm. Transmission electron microscope results also revealed the formation of nanoparticles. The energy bandgap was calculated from diffuse reflectance spectra using the Kubelka Munk relation and found to vary from 3.2 to 5.28 eV. The photocatalytic degradation of Fast Blue and Malachite Green dyes for all the MgxZn1-xO nanoparticles catalysts was tested under the irradiation of UV light. MgxZn1-xO nanoparticles showed enhanced degradation with increasing x' contents for Fast Blue (87%) and Malachite Green (90%) dyes under UV light. This enhanced degradation is due to variation in the bandgap of MgxZn1-xO. MgxZn1-xO electrodes exhibit a reversible electrode reaction based on their low charge transfer resistance and high capacitance value. Based on our results, the synthesized nanoparticles are promising candidates for wastewater treatment and lead sensor applications.

Automated summary

In this study, MgxZn1-xO nanoparticles were synthesized through a solution combustion method assisted by Chonemorpha fragrans leaf extract. The nanoparticles were extensively characterized and their properties were evaluated. The results showed that the MgxZn1-xO nanoparticles exhibited enhanced photocatalytic degradation of dyes under UV light and reversible electrode reactions. Therefore, these synthesized nanoparticles hold great promise for wastewater treatment and lead sensor applications.