Synthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles by using of Ferula plant extract and exploring of its photocatalytic activity in degradation of bromothymol blue

In this report, for the first time, the synthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO) was carried out by the extract of Ferula plant. No chemical reducing agents, toxic stabilizers, or dangerous solvents were used for the synthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles, and all fabrication steps were carried out in a green and mild conditions. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) were employed to determine the phase type and morphology of biosynthesized nickel oxide nanoparticles. After characterization, in order to take a step to protect the environment, biosynthesized nickel oxide nanoparticles were utilized as an effective photocatalyst for the degradation of bromothymol blue as an organic dye. In this manner, a UV lamp was used to activate the nickel oxide photocatalyst. The degradation percentage of bromothymol blue dye reached %77.08 within 3 hours. To evaluate the feasibility of using nickel oxide nanophotocatalyst in industry, the degradation of bromothymol blue was performed on real wastewater and successful results were obtained.