Open Access

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

K. Hema, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Ramapuram Campus, Chennai, TN, India S. R. Anishia, Department of Physics, Tagore Engineering College, Chennai, TN, India S. Rajeswari, Department of Physics, Dhanalakshmi College of Engineering, Manimangalam, Chennai, TN, India V. Padmavathy, Department of Physics, Prathyusha Engineering College, Tiruvallur, TN, India S. Sujatha, Department of Chemistry, Sengamala Thayaar Educational Trust Women’s College, Mannargudi, Thiruvarur, TN, India M. Thiyagu thiyagu1080@gmail.com
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, TN, India

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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.

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