An efficient and viable photodegradation of a textile Reactive yellow-86 dye under direct sunlight by multi-structured Fe₂O₃ encapsulated with phytochemicals of R. Indica

Synthesis of multi-structured Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles is the matter of countless concern for long time in the chemical synthesis domain due to its potential applications. Eco-friendly green synthesis of multi-structured Fe₂O₃ strategy is adopted by utilizing phytochemicals from R. indica leaf extracts. Synthesized Fe₂O₃ has been characterized for physiochemical, morphological, topological, and elemental properties using different characterization tools such as x-ray diffractometer (XRD), fourier-transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), tunneling electron microscope (TEM), and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX). FESEM and TEM micrographs have revealed that Fe₂O₃ comprises unique hexagonal, rectangular slabs, pentagonal plates, rods of nano scale. The functional groups C=O, C–O, and C=C of different phytochemicals have acted as capping agents, while –OH groups of polyphenols play their role as reducing agents. The purity and crystallinity are revealed by EDX and XRD, respectively. Fe₂O₃ has revealed visible-light photocatalytic behaviour with Reactive Yellow-86 dye (9 × 10^–2 mM) removal efficiency of 98% within 60 min of incubation in direct solar light at an optimum dosage of 30 mg. For every 10 mg NPs dosage increase, the apparent rate constant enhanced by two times. Even after five recycles, the degradation efficiency of dye by NPs remained ≥ 90% indicates it reusability. Thus, the current research work offering a novel synthesis of Fe₂O₃ by phytoreduction paves the way towards an extremely competent photocatalyst which would be highly beneficial in textile industry’s wastewater treatment.