Bio-mediated synthesis of Cu-TiO₂ nanoparticles using Phoenix dactylifera lignocellulose as capping and reducing agent for the catalytic degradation of toxic dyes

This research is focused on synthesis of Cu-TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) by bio-mediated method using Phoenix dactylifera fruit extract. The lignocellulosic entities of P. dactylifera fruit extract used as reducing and capping agent due to presence of higher contents of phenolics and flavonoids. These synthesized NPs are characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Cu-TiO2 NPs synthesized by bio-mediated method are cost effective and environmental friendly. Results showed the average size of NPs was found to be 32.07 nm. Furthermore, these NPs act as very effective and suitable nano-catalyst for dyes degradation and reduces the concentration of Rhodamine-B to 89.8% and methyl orange to 95.3% dyes in wastewater. Results revealed that the synthesized NPs could possibly be employed for degradation of other toxic pollutants particularly dyes.