Green Synthesis and Defect-State Investigation of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles via Anogeissus latifolia Bark Extract: Insights into Photocatalytic and Antimicrobial Study

Abstract In the present study, a simple, eco-friendly, and cost-effective biogenic route was developed for the synthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticles using the aqueous bark extract of Anogeissus latifolia (Dhawada-D) functioning simultaneously as a bio-reducing, caping, and stabilizing agent. Cerous nitrate hexahydrate served as the metal precursor. The biosynthesized cerium oxide nanoparticles were thoroughly characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible-near infrared spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis techniques. The cerium oxide nanoparticles displayed outstanding multifunctional performance they acted as an efficient heterogeneous photocatalytic for the degradation of Rhodamine B dye under light irradiation and it showed significant antibacterial potential for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus , as well as antifungal activity against the Aspergillus nigher and Candida albicans were studied. These results underscore the potential of biosynthesized cerium oxide nanoparticles in wastewater remediation, optoelectronics, pharmaceutical and biomedical applications, highlighting the promise of green synthesis strategies in nanomaterial development.