Complex Magnetic Behaviour and Photocatalytic Response in Narrowed Band Gap NiO Nanoparticles Synthesized by Novel Lepidagathis Ananthapuramensis Leaf Extract

The present work focussed on the detailed investigation on structural, morphological, optical, photocatalytic, and magnetic properties of NiO nanoparticles (NPs) derived by a novel Lepidagathis ananthapuramensis leaf extract. The structural information using X-ray powder diffraction and Raman spectroscopy method indicates a single phase NiO hexagonal crystal structure for the sample calcined at >= 600 degrees C. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy studies noticed the various morphologies. UV-Visible, photoluminescence, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the presence of both Ni2+ and Ni3+ ions with the narrowed band gap. Thorough magnetic studies indicate the existence of antiferromagnetic, ferromagnetic and superparamagnetic nature of NiO NPs. The photocatalytic activity of NiO NPs for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye in the presence of sunlight showed considerable results. This study can help us to deliver the wide range of properties which can be utilised in the field of magnetism and photocatalysis.