Bi2Ce2O7 nanoparticles synthesized using Elaeis guineensis Jacq. Leaf extracts and its potential for photocatalytic application

This research has successfully performed a new environmentally friendly, safe, and harmless method for fabricating Bi2Ce2O7 nanoparticles (NPs) using Elaeis guineensis Jacq. leaf extracts. Based on the FT-IR measurement, the absorption peak at 635 cm−1 indicates the Bi-O-Ce stretching vibration. The crystalline structure analysis showed that the monoclinic phase of Bi2Ce2O7 NPs was proven by X-ray diffraction characterization. UV–Vis DRS results show that Bi2Ce2O7 NPs have a narrow bandgap of 2.48 eV, indicating their potential for visible light photocatalytic applications. The shape of Bi2Ce2O7 NPs was spherical in agglomeration with an average size of about 30.15 nm. Bi2Ce2O7 NPs exhibited exceptional photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) and malachite green (MG) dyes under visible light irradiation. Degradation rates of 99.7 % and 95.8 % for MB and MG, respectively, were achieved within 90 min. This study highlights the potential of utilizing plant-based extracts to produce efficient and environmentally friendly photocatalytic materials.