Acalypha wilkesiana-Mediated Synthesis of TiO2/PrCrO3 Nanocomposites: Characterization and Photocatalytic Performance

Author : Yoki Yulizar

Abstract : The development of efficient photocatalysts with improved visible-light activity remains an important challenge in environmental catalysis. In this study, TiO₂/PrCrO₃ nanocomposites were synthesized via a green approach using Acalypha wilkesiana (Miana) leaf extract (AWLE) to enhance the photocatalytic performance of TiO₂. The phytochemical constituents in AWLE act as a weak base and capping agents, promoting the formation of well-defined TiO₂/PrCrO₃ nanostructures. The structural, optical, and morphological properties of the nanocomposites were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Vis DRS), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results confirmed the successful formation of TiO₂/PrCrO₃ nanocomposites with improved crystallinity and modified electronic structure. The incorporation of PrCrO₃ effectively reduced the band gap energy of TiO₂, resulting in enhanced visible-light absorption and improved photocatalytic performance. Under visible-light irradiation, the TiO₂/PrCrO₃ nanocomposite achieved a degradation efficiency of 92.0% for malachite green (MG) within 120 min. The photodegradation process followed pseudo-first-order kinetics, indicating enhanced charge separation and faster reaction kinetics compared to pristine TiO₂. Radical scavenging experiments revealed that superoxide radicals (•O₂⁻) are the dominant reactive species responsible for MG degradation. The enhanced photocatalytic activity is attributed to the synergistic interaction between TiO₂ and PrCrO₃, which facilitates charge transfer and suppresses electron–hole recombination. This study demonstrates a sustainable strategy for the green synthesis of TiO₂-based nanocomposites using plant extracts, providing an environmentally friendly approach for developing efficient visible-light photocatalysts for wastewater treatment.Figure 1. Proposed band structure and photocatalytic charge-transfer mechanism of the TiO₂/PrCrO₃ nanocomposite under visible-light irradiation.

Keywords : Nanocomposite, TiO₂/PrCrO₃, Acalypha wilkesiana, Green synthesis, Photocatalysis, Malachite green degradation

Conference Name : International Conference on Catalytic Processes and Green Energy (ICCPGE-26)

Conference Place : Kowloon City, Hong Kong

Conference Date : 2nd Apr 2026