Biogenic synthesis from Prunus x yedoensis leaf extract, characterization, and photocatalytic and antibacterial activity of TiO2 nanoparticles

Green synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) from Prunus x yedoensis leaf extract (PYLE), and their application for removal of phosphate and their antibacterial activity, were studied for the first time. NPs were obtained using a green chemistry approach from 0.1 M TiO2 and PYLE at ratio of 1:1 (v/w). Initial confirmation of production of TiO2 NPs was provided by a color change from white to light yellow, then calcination was performed at 500 A degrees C for 1 h. The TiO2 NPs were characterized using various analytical techniques such as ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The results indicated that the optimal amount of TiO2 NPs for removal of phosphate was 10 mg/l (10 ppm) with duration of 25 min. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of TiO2 NPs was also investigated using two different bacteria (Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli) in aqueous medium. The results revealed highly efficient sunlight-driven photocatalytic and antibacterial activity of TiO2 NPs.