Green synthesis of α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles for photocatalytic application

In this study, the preparation of α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles using curcuma and tea leaves extract are reported. The curcuma and tea leaves are acted as a reductant and stabilizer. The crystal structure and particle size of the as-synthesized materials were measured through X-ray diffraction. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that the as-prepared samples were α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles with well-crystallized rhombohedral structure and the crystallite sizes of the α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles are 4 and 5 nm. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the prepared samples have spherical shape. The purity and properties of the as-synthesized α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles were measured by Raman spectroscopy. The chemical compositions of the as-prepared α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles have been analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The absorption edge of the α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles are 561 and 551 nm. The photocatalytic activity of the α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles was measured by degradation of methylene orange and the α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles showed the excellent photocatalytic performance.