Green Synthesis and Multifunctional Applications of Moringa Oleifera-Enhanced TiO2 Nanocomposites

Abstract

This study investigates the green synthesis and detailed characterization of TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) doped with Moringa oleifera leaf (MOL) extract, aiming to explore their multifunctional applications. MOL extract acted as both a reducing and stabilizing agent during nanoparticle synthesis, thereby enhancing the physicochemical properties of the resulting composites. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized TiO2-MOL composites was evaluated through the degradation of methylene blue dye under solar irradiation, with optimal performance achieved at 4 wt.% MOL loading. Key parameters, including pH, catalyst dosage, dye concentration, and catalyst reusability, were systematically optimized to determine the most effective conditions. The optimum photocatalytic performance was observed at neutral pH, 150 mg catalyst loading, and a dye concentration of 1×10⁻⁴ M. Characterization techniques such as Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), light absorption capacity, and interactions between MOL bioactive compounds and TiO2. Furthermore, the TiO2-MOL composites exhibited notable antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to the synergistic effects between the photocatalyst and MOL's bioactive constituents. These findings suggest that MOL-doped TiO2 nanocomposites hold significant promise for sustainable environmental remediation and biomedical applications.