Dye degradation using piperazine-encapsulated biosynthesized iron nanoparticles

This study investigated the breakdown of aniline yellow dye using biosynthesized iron nanoparticles that used an extract from Eryngium billardieri. Piperazine encapsulation in a chlorinated environment increased degradation efficiency, reaching up to 92% in the dark and 96% under photocatalytic conditions. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (331.24 nm, 243.19 nm), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (Fe?O at 539 cm??, C?N at 1231 cm??), X-ray Diffraction analysis (peaks at 26.31? to 76.84?, indicating FCC structure), and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (Fe and Cl presence) were used to characterize the nanoparticles. The N-functionalities produced from piperazine and Fe2+ (712 eV) were validated by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. Spherical, evenly distributed particles (10?30 nm) with core-shell morphology were seen by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy. After encapsulation, Photoluminescence analysis showed less electron-hole recombination. Mesoporosity (type IV isotherms) was revealed by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis, and the piperazine coating reduced surface area. Superparamagnetic behaviour with a blocking temperature close to 35K was found via magnetic measurements. High stability, catalytic efficiency, and potential for environmental remediation were all displayed by the encapsulated iron nanoparticles.