Green synthesis of yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanoparticles by Agathosma Betulina leaf extract: Structural, optical and antimicrobial properties

Abstract

Yttrium oxide (Y2O3) is a promising rare-earth compound that is rarely studied. This study reports on the synthesis, structural, morphological, optical and antimicrobial properties of Y2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized using Agathosma betulina leaf extract. XRD pattern indicated that the crystalline phase was achieved for the sample calcined at [Formula: see text]C with body-centered cubic symmetry. SEM and TEM images of Y2O3 nanopowder showed the nearly spherical morphology of agglomerated NPs with an average diameter of 13[Formula: see text]nm. Optical properties revealed that the bandgap of Y2O3 NPs ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]eV) has been increased compared with the bulk Y2O3 ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]eV). Moreover, the antimicrobial activity was also evaluated against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria of clinical interest. Results demonstrated that the synthesized Y2O3 NPs exhibited higher bacteriostatic effects against gram-negative bacterial strains due to their thin cell wall structure. These results show that the synthesized Y2O3 NPs are suitable for antibacterial control systems and medicines.