Biogenic Al₂O₃ nanoparticles from waste aluminum foil for photocatalytic dye degradation

These studies seek to provide a better, greener recycling approach that benefits society in terms of economics as well as being eco-friendly. This study aims to synthesize aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) nanoparticles (NPs) from waste aluminum foil and investigate their potential application in reducing malachite green and eriochrome black-T from wastewater. The aluminum oxide NPs were prepared by a green synthesis method by using muskmelon pulp extract as a reducing as well as capping agent. They were characterized by way of UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The surface plasmonic resonance band of aluminum oxide NPs occurred at 276 nm by the UV–Vis spectra. Also, their shapes are rod-like with the formation of aggregations of them. FTIR analysis distinguished the appearance of bonds belonging to the aluminum oxide NPs in the range of (400–1200 nm). The DLS results show an average particle size of 72 nm. The results demonstrated significant degradation efficiency, highlighting the potential of these biogenic NPs in wastewater treatment applications. This work underscores the potential of biogenic aluminum oxide NPs as a sustainable alternative for photocatalytic applications, promoting circular economy principles and reducing industrial waste.