Limon-citrus extract as a capping/reducing agent for the synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles: characterization and antibacterial activity

In this paper, we focused on the green synthesis of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles via an ecofriendly process using Citrus limon extract. Several analytical techniques were used to characterize the prepared samples: X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectrons spectroscopy (XPS). XRD diffractograms revealed an anatase crystal structure of TiO₂. SEM analysis showed the presence of particles with nanometric sizes, and the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra confirmed the presence of the synthesized nanoparticles. The antibacterial activity of the green prepared TiO₂ nanoparticles was assessed. Additionally, the antibacterial efficiency of the green prepared TiO₂ nanoparticles was compared with TiO₂ nanoparticles prepared via a chemical process. The results prove the efficacy of this ecofriendly process. This method can be used for the rapid and environmentally friendly biosynthesis of stable titanium oxide nanoparticles. This work is a contribution to the valorization of bio-sources for the synthesis of titanium dioxide crystals using Citrus limon fruit extract and tetrabutile titanate as a precursor.