Green synthesis of gadolinium-doped bismuth oxide nanoparticles: Exploring their biological and photocatalytic activities

Abstract

Coldeniaprocumbens leaf extract assisted green synthesis of gadolinium-doped bismuth oxide nanoparticles (Gd-Bi₂O₃NPs) was demonstrated. Electron microscopic analysis indicated that the Gd-Bi₂O₃ has nanoflake-like shape with a narrow size distribution of 20–30 nm. FT-IR and XRD analysis confirmed the doping of Gd-ions into Bi₂O₃ crystal structure. The UV–vis spectral investigation was carried to know the characteristic absorbance peaks and the band gap of Gd-Bi₂O₃ samples. The antibacterial activity of Gd-Bi₂O₃ samples was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterococcus faecalis. The larvicidal activity of Gd-Bi₂O₃ samples was also evaluated against the mosquito larvae of Aedesaegypti and Aedesalbopictus. Furthermore, the photocatalytic potential of Gd-Bi₂O₃ samples has been evaluated using malachite green (MG) and methylene blue (MB) dyes under visible light radiation. The green Gd-Bi₂O₃ samples displayed potent antibacterial, larvicidal, and photocatalytic activities, making them a promising candidate for environmental remediation applications.