Green synthesis of Ba-Doped TiO2 nanoparticles using Blepharis maderaspatensis leaf extract for enhanced photocatalytic and antioxidant activities

In this study, non-toxic and inexpensive biosynthesized Ba-doped TiO ₂ nanoparticles were produced using chemical and green synthesis methods. In the green synthesis method, Blepharis maderaspatensis leaf extract was used as a natural stabilizing and reducing agent instead of chemical reagents.The biosynthesized TiO ₂ nanoparticles were characterized using XRD, UV-DRS, FTIR, SEM, and TEM. The crystalline tetragonal structure, phase purity, and average crystallite size of 20-40nm. Methylene blue was used as a model organic pollutant to assess the photocatalytic performance of the produced samples under UV–visible light irradiation. Notably, the biosynthesized Ba-doped TiO ₂ exhibited superior photocatalytic activity, achieving up to 96% degradation efficiency within 100 min, outperforming both chemically and biosynthesized nanoparticles. The DPPH assay was used to assess the antioxidant capacity of the biosynthesized TiO ₂ nanoparticles. At a concentration of 80µg/mL, the DPPH radical scavenging activities were 74.80% and 76.57% DPPH radical scavenging respectively. The powerful antioxidant qualities of Blepharis maderaspatensis extract demonstrate its promise as a sustainable and environmentally friendly substitute for traditional synthesis methods.