Correlation between band gap and crystallite size: Application in photodegradation and agriculture by n-type semiconductor
The semiconductor produced by biosynthesis was evaluated for photocatalytic activity using scavenger assays and plant exposure tests to assess reactivity and ecotoxicity. Tauc and Kubelka–Munk methods yielded consistent band gap (BG) values, validating the observation of an inverse relationship between crystal size and BG value; higher concentrations of coating agents result in smaller materials. Correlations between optical parameters and photocatalytic performance revealed that enhanced visible-light absorption and reduced BG values improved degradation rates. Scavenger studies identified the primary reactive species, and plant assays provided preliminary insights into biocompatibility. Results demonstrate green photocatalysts for eco-friendly remediation.
Authors
- Priscy Alfredo Luque (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5605-0088)
- Rubén César Villarreal Sánchez (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6836-8109)
- Noa Eunice Escárcega Ochoa
- César Adrián Magaña Chávez
- José Alejandro Villegas Fuentes
Institutions
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (MX)
Publication Details
- Journal
- MRS Advances
- Published
- 2026-10-29
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1557/s43580-026-01798-y
- Primary Topic
- Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00