Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Dyes in Water Using Oak Leaf-Synthesized Iron Nanoparticles: A Study on Environmental Remediation and Antioxidant Potential

Abstract

This study applies green chemistry principles to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly chemical processes by utilizing plant extracts, which are rich in bioactive compounds, as a sustainable resource for synthesizing nanoparticles. Iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) were synthesized using ferric chloride (FeCl₃) and kermes oak (Quercus coccifera L.) leaf extract. The synthesized FeNPs were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Zeta potential measurements. The antioxidant and dye degradation capabilities of the FeNPs were evaluated. The results revealed that the extract is rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds. According to SEM analysis, FeNPs appeared aggregated and granular. The FeNPs exhibited ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities with values of 4.95 ± 0.52 µg/mL and 1.54 ± 0.014 μg/mL, respectively. The FeNPs demonstrated exceptional photocatalytic activity in degrading Methylene Blue, Crystal Violet, Congo Red, and Methylene Orange dyes. Experiments conducted over 180 min showed that FeNPs degraded Methylene Blue, Crystal Violet, Congo Red, and Methylene Orange dyes by 89.8%, 73.1%, 50.7%, and 37.9%, respectively. This study highlights the potential of FeNPs for the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes, emphasizing their importance in wastewater treatment applications.