ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Efficient dye removal in sunlight using biosynthesized nickel/nickel oxide nanoparticles from Ficus cordata: an optimal production strategy

Mansour S. Abdul Galil, Fahmiyah Khalid Hasan Saleh, Mohyeddine Al‑qubati, Samir Osman Mohammed, Abdulqawi Numan, and Ebkar Abdo Ahmed Saif

Chemistry department, Faculty of Applied Science, Taiz University, Taiz, Yemen

E-mail: mansoursaid352108@gmail.com

Abstract:

This study aims to develop a green, cost-effective approach for synthesizing nickel/nickel oxide (Ni/NiO) nanoparticles to address challenges in dye degradation and water pollution. For the first time, it is hypothesized that Ficus cordata (F.C.) leaf extract can serve as both a reducing and capping agent for the eco-friendly synthesis of Ni/NiO nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were optimally prepared by mixing an aqueous F.C. extract with a nickel nitrate solution under constant stirring at a moderate temperature, followed by drying and calcination at 700 °C to obtain stable Ni/NiO phases. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine their optical, structural, and morphological properties. UV–Vis analysis confirmed the formation of Ni and NiO with absorption peaks at 380 nm and 332 nm, respectively, while FT-IR revealed bioactive functional groups responsible for stabilization. TEM revealed cubic nanoparticles averaging 122.45 nm, and XRD confirmed mixed Ni/NiO phases. The Ni/NiO nanoparticles exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity, degrading methylene blue (90.20% in 240 min), malachite green (99.61% in 10 min), and crystal violet (93.20% in 90 min) under sunlight. This study demonstrates a novel, sustainable synthesis route using Ficus cordata to produce multifunctional Ni/NiO nanoparticles and reports, for the first time, the quantification of their UV-blocking capability, highlighting their potential for environmental remediation.

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-025-04637-w

Chemical Papers 80 (4) 3585–3611 (2026)