Green synthesis of nanoparticles and investigation of their activity for photocatalytic degradation of recalcitrant organic pollutants

In this study, TiO2 nanoparticles and BiOBr nanoplates were synthesized using green synthesis method with Quercus brantii fruit cup and Rosa canina fruit extracts. The temperature and exposure time that yielded the highest total phenolic content in Quercus brantii fruit cup and Rosa canina fruit extract were determined. TiO₂ nanoparticles and BiOBr nanoplates synthesized with extracts at the specified temperature and exposure time were characterized by XRD, XPS, FT-IR, SEM-EDX, FESEM, TEM, and BET surface area analyses. The photocatalytic activity of TiO₂ nanoparticles and BiOBr nanoplates was investigated in the removal of Reactive Yellow 84 (RY84) dye. The effects of pH, initial RY84 concentration, and photocatalyst amount on the photocatalytic removal of RY84 were investigated. TiO₂ and BiOBr nanomaterials synthesized using Quercus brantii fruit cup extract exhibited higher photocatalytic activity compared to those synthesized with Rosa canina fruit extract. The degradation mechanisms of the RY84 dye under UV-A and visible light were determined using TiO₂ nanoparticles synthesized with Quercus brantii fruit cups. The effects of pH and different light sources on the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline, another recalcitrant contaminant, using TiO₂ nanoparticles synthesized with Quercus brantii fruit cup extract were investigated.