The aim of this study was to explore the antibacterial and antioxidant efficacy of nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs). The Raphanus sativus (R. sativus) extract mediated NiO NPs were calcined at 100, 300, 600 and 900 ℃ in a muffle furnace for 3 h. The increased intensity of diffraction bands in the X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum suggest that the degree of crystallinity increases with increasing calcination temperature. The desired elements was depicted in the energy dispersive X-rays (EDX) spectrum confirm the purity of the NiO Sample. The variation in surface morphology and increase in the particles size from 12.78 to 51.42nm was determined from the transmission electron microscope (TEM) micrographs. The shift toward higher wavelength was observed in the diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) spectra with increasing calcination temperature, results into a clear decrease in band gap from 3.12 to 2.86 eV. The presence of hydroxyl group along with other organic moieties were confirm through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis. The biological potential of the calcined NiO NPs was examined during the antibacterial and antioxidant experiments. The antibacterial effect of NiO NPs was studied using the agar well diffusion process, and the ABTS free radical scavenging potential of NiO NPs was also assessed. The activity of NiO NPs calcined at 100 °C is greater than that of those calcined at higher temperatures.

Background: Nickel stannate nanocomposites could be useful for removing organic and toxic water pollutants, such as methyl orange (MO). Aim: The synthesis of a nickel oxide–tin oxide nanocomposite (NiO-SnO₂ NC) via a facile and economically viable approach using a leaf extract from Ficus elastica for the photocatalytic degradation of MO. Methods: The phase composition, crystallinity, and purity were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The particles’ morphology was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The elemental analysis and colored mapping were carried out via energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The functional groups were identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS) was used to study the optical properties such as the absorption edges and energy band gap, an important feature of semiconductors to determine photocatalytic applications. The photocatalytic activity of the NiO-SnO₂ NC was evaluated by monitoring the degradation of MO in aqueous solution under irradiation with full light spectrum. The effects of calcination temperature, pH, initial MO concentration, and catalyst dose were all assessed to understand and optimize the physicochemical and photocatalytic properties of NiO-SnO₂ NC. Results: NiO-SnO₂ NC was successfully synthesized via a biological route using F. elastica leaf extract. XRD showed rhombohedral NiO and tetragonal SnO₂ nanostructures and the amorphous nature of NiO-SnO₂ NC. Its degree of crystallinity, crystallite size, and stability increased with increased calcination temperature. SEM depicted significant morphological changes with elevating calcination temperatures, which are attributed to the phase conversion from amorphous to crystalline. The elemental analysis and colored mapping show the formation of highly pure NiO-SnO₂ NC. FTIR revealed a decrease in OH, and the ratio of oxygen vacancies at the surface of the NC can be explained by a loss of its hydrophilicity at increased temperatures. All the NC samples displayed significant absorption in the visible region, and a blue shift is seen and the energy band gap decreases when increasing the calcination temperatures due to the dehydration and formation of compacted large particles. NiO-SnO₂ NC degrades MO, and the photocatalytic performance decreased with increasing calcination temperature due to an increase in the crystallite size of the NC. The optimal conditions for the efficient NC-mediated photocatalysis of MO are 100 °C, 20 mg catalyst, 50 ppm MO, and pH 6. Conclusions: The auspicious performance of the NiO-SnO₂ NCs may open a new avenue for the development of semiconducting p–n heterojunction catalysts as promising structures for removing undesirable organic pollutants from the environment.