Hydrothermal Green Synthesis of Aloe Vera Gel-Biotemplated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Robust Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue, Chromium (VI) Reduction, and Antibacterial Efficacy

Utilizing Aloe vera gel (AVG) extracts as reducing agents, the hydrothermal synthesis of dual-functional iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3 NPs) offers a straightforward and environmentally friendly approach. AVG extract, rich in polyphenol complexes and antimicrobial compounds, serves both as a reducing agent for ferric chloride in aqueous solutions and as a stabilizing agent for the resulting nanoparticles. This method showcases the potential of natural plant biomolecules in nanoparticle synthesis. UV–Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used to characterise the Aloe vera gel –Fe2O3 nanoparticles (AVGF NPs). The pattern on the XRD indicated the production of crystalline material, which matched JCPDS card no. 89–0596 precisely. Nondestructive XRD analysis indicated a rhombohedral phase crystalline structure, whereas scanning electron microscopy revealed a spherical form. Surface morphology images exhibited that the NPs have sphere-shaped with a size in the range 10–40 nm and magnetic measurements is a high saturation magnetization value of 73.9 emu were synthesised. Bragg’s reflection speaks indicated that the rhombohedral phase structure of AVGF NPs. The thermal stability and functional groups analysis results indicated that the presence of the AVG on the Fe2O3 surface. Moreover, the AVGF NPs had different coloring reflectance on the solution to confirm by absorption spectra. These findings suggest that the formation of AVGF NPs in producing great stable, fluorescence lifetime (26.21 ns), more lasting magnetic characteristics ideal for a variety scenarios primarily effective antimicrobial properties against Gram-positive bacteria and potential conversion of hazardous Cr6+ to less harmful Cr3+ and promising AVGF catalyst efficacy for methylene blue discoloration.