IET Nanobiotechnology

Research Article

Aqueous extract of broccoli mediated ISSN 1751-8741

Received on 22nd November 2017

synthesis of CaO nanoparticles and its

Revised 9th March 2018
Accepted on 6th April 2018
E-First on 12th July 2018
application in the photocatalytic degradation doi: 10.1049/iet-nbt.2017.0277
www.ietdl.org

of bromocrescol green
Jejenija Osuntokun1, Damian C. Onwudiwe1 , Eno E. Ebenso2
1Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science, Material Science Innovation and Modelling (MaSIM) Research Focus Area, North-West University

(Mafikeng Campus), Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, South Africa

2Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science, School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, North-West University

(Mafikeng Campus), Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, South Africa

E-mail: Damian.Onwudiwe@nwu.ac.za

Abstract: CaO nanoparticles have been prepared using CaCl2 and aqueous extract of broccoli as a precursor and reducing
agent, respectively. Different volumes of the aqueous broccoli extract were utilised to obtain Ca(OH)2 and subsequent
calcination gave CaO nanoparticles. The synthesised CaO was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). The morphology
was studied using transmittance electron microscopy (TEM), and the surface composition of Ca(OH)2 was explored using
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The major functional groups present in the capping material responsible for the
reduction of the metal salt and the surface passivation of Ca(OH)2 were identified. The XRD pattern revealed cubic phase for all
the CaO nanoparticles, and the crystallite size was estimated using Scherrer's equation showed a variation which is dependent
on the volume of the extract used. TEM analysis showed different shapes, while the selected area electron diffraction (SAED)
results confirmed the crystallinity of the nanoparticles. Thermogravimetric analysis of Ca(OH)2 showed the decomposition
product to be CaO. Sample C3, which has the smallest particle size, was used as a catalyst for the degradation of bromocresol
green via photo irradiation with ultraviolet light and the result revealed a degradation efficiency of 60.1%.

1 Introduction Although CaO nanoparticles have been synthesised via all the
aforementioned chemical routes, there are only a few reports
One of the goals of nanotechnology is the synthesis of varieties of involving the green chemistry approach. Green synthesis of
nanoparticles in different morphologies and chemical nanoparticles using aqueous plant extract is an environmentally
compositions, with narrow size distribution, monodispersed and benign and cheap route to nanoparticles synthesis. Several cases of
their prospective applications to the benefit of mankind [1]. The plant mediated synthesis of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles
immense interest in the study of nanoparticles arose by virtue of have been reported such as Au, ZnO, SnO2 and CaO nanoparticles
their rare physiochemical characteristics viz. mechanical, optical,
[20–24].
electronic, magnetic, antimicrobial, and catalytic properties.
Broccoli belongs to Brassicaceae family whose origin is the
Calcium oxide (CaO) is an alkaline earth metal oxide and the
Mediterranean part of the world. This vegetable is rich in folic
heaviest among the group of light alkaline earth oxide. Bulk CaO
acid, vitamin C, fibre, carotene, phytochemicals such as
has a wide band gap of 7.1 eV [2] and a high dielectric constant of
polyphenols and glucosinolates. Phytochemicals in broccoli viz.
11.8. CaO nanoparticles are non-toxic, low cost, readily available
glucosinolates and flavonoids have been of interest for their
raw material for heterogeneous catalysis for diverse reaction
potential ability to maintain good health, and in green chemistry for
procedures [3–5]. There are many other applications of CaO
their use as reducing and capping agent in nanoparticle synthesis
nanoparticles such as additive in refractory [6], adsorbent
[25].
especially in catalysis [7], bactericides [8], in biomedical field [9],
The heavy use of dyes in industries is majorly responsible for
and as well as a precursor in bioceramics [10]. CaO nanoparticles
the unprecedented rate of water pollution in our environment. This
have been reported as a good adsorbent in the removal of Cr(VI)
scourge ultimately has a direct or immediate repercussion on the
from solutions [11], in the transesterification of sunflower [12] and
ecosystem [26]. For instance, organic dyes form the bulk of
palm oil [13], and also in the removal of other toxic metal ions
industrial effluent and the urgency of the need to eliminate these
[14].
types of contaminants cannot be overemphasised. These
CaO nanoparticles are rarely studied, and only a few reports
contaminants are not biodegradable and despite the development of
exist in the literature. Nevertheless, a range of methods has been
various ways of elimination, water pollution problems seem to
used for their preparation such as thermal decomposition [15],
remain unabated. Some techniques have been employed to carry
microwave [16] and sol–gel processes [17]. Of all these methods,
out environmental remediation and among such are ion exchange
thermal decomposition and sol–gel processes are the most
and precipitation [27], floatation [28], and adsorption processes
commonly used method of synthesising CaO nanoparticles. Low-
[29]. In spite of the application of these methods of waste water
dimensional nanoparticles can be obtained from the sol–gel
remediation, the issue of toxic by-products generated has been a
method; although, the route has the following demerits: (i) high
source of constant concern; hence the application of photocatalytic
cost, (ii) long reaction time, and it is complicated. On the other
degradation whose by-products are environmentally benign.
hand, thermal decomposition processes are better due to the
Photocatalysis is a process of degrading organic contaminants in
following: (i) high purity, (ii) simplicity, and (iii) low cost. CaO
water by the use of photo-irradiation source. Oxidation of organic
nanoparticles can be obtained from high temperature calcination of
contaminants in solution or suspension is accomplished by the
Ca(OH)2 and CaCO3 [18, 19].
generation of reactive hydroxyl or superoxide radicals, which are

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© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 2018

Fig. 1 Overlapped p-XRD pattern of C1, C2, and C3 of CaO
nanoparticles formed from calcination of Ca(OH)2 at 650°C
involved in the degradation process. Photocatalytic degradation
under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is an alternative method for the
degradation of organic materials using semiconductor materials.
In this work, we have prepared CaO nanoparticles through
reduction of the metal chloride to the metal hydroxide and high
temperature calcination of the precursor, Ca(OH)2 (intermediate
product). After calcination, residues from the aqueous extract of
broccoli were removed and it subsequently improved the crystal
phase given a homogenous product [30]. To the best of our
knowledge, this is the first report on the use of aqueous broccoli
extract as a stabilising agent for the synthesis of CaO nanoparticles.
2 Experimental
2.1 Materials
Fresh broccoli vegetables were purchased from Woolworth stores
in South Africa and properly identified; calcium chloride, sodium
hydroxide and bromocresol green (BG) were purchased from
Sigma Aldrich, South Africa.
2.2 Preparation of fresh broccoli extract
Aqueous extract of broccoli was prepared by a slight modification
of a reported method [31]. About 12 g of broccoli leaves were
carefully washed with double distilled water, air dried and
pulverised. The leaves were then collected and boiled at 60°C in
250 ml flask containing double distilled water for 15 min.
Thereafter, the aqueous extract was cooled, filtered using
Whatmann No. 1 filter paper (pore size 25 µm), and stored in a
refrigerator for further use.
2.3 Preparation of CaO nanoparticles
An appropriate amount of aqueous extract of broccoli (10, 20 and
30 ml) was separately added to a 50 ml CaCl2 (0.1 M) and stirred
continuously for 40 min. To this solution, aqueous (2 M) NaOH
was added dropwise to adjust the pH to 12 and stirred for 2 h until
a white milky precipitate of Ca(OH)2 was observed. The product
was isolated by centrifugation at 4000 rpm for 15 min and washed
several times with distilled water to remove any unreacted starting
material. Thereafter, the white Ca(OH)2 samples were dried in the
oven for 8 h at 90°C. Three samples were produced based on the
different volumes of aqueous plant extract used for the synthesis,
and the samples were labelled as C1, C2, and C3, respectively.
About 1 g of each of the sample was placed in a muffle furnace
using ceramic crucible and calcined at 650°C for 2 h.
2.4 Photocatalytic studies
A uniquely fabricated photocatalytic reactor fitted with a water
jacket to ensure a continuous flow of water was employed for
photocatalytic degradation of BG dye. The function of the water
IET Nanobiotechnol., 2018, Vol. 12 Iss. 7, pp. 888-894
© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 2018
jacket is to ensure a constant temperature and it acts as dissipater of
the heat produced by the UV lamp. Photo-induced catalytic
degradation activity of biosynthesised CaO nanoparticles was
evaluated against BG as follows: a solution of BG was prepared by
dispersing 20 mg of BG in 1 L of triple ionised water. 0.2 g of
biosynthesised CaO was suspended in a 100 ml of BG solution (2 
ppm). It is noteworthy that the suspension was agitated for 30 min
in the dark with a magnetic stirrer to ensure adsorption–desorption
equilibrium. The suspension was irradiated with a 250 W helium
lamp, which is equipped with a 400 nm cut-off filter. A 2 ml
aliquot of BG solution was pipetted at regular interval for 30, 60,
90, 120, 150 and 180 min. The suspension was centrifuged to
isolate particles and analysed with UV-vis spectroscopy. The
intensity of degradation was monitored by recording the
corresponding absorption spectra with time at 616 nm. The
efficiency of C1, as a photocatalyst, was evaluated with the
following equation;
% degradation = Ao − At / Ao × 100,
where Ao and At are corresponding initial absorbance of dye before
degradation and the final absorbance of dye at degradation time ‘t’.
2.5 Characterisation of biosynthesised CaO nanoparticles
The X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement was recorded over a 2θ
range of 20–85° on a Bruker D8 Advanced, equipped with a
proportional counter using Cu Kα radiation (k = 1.5405 A, nickel
filter). Transmittance electron microscopy (TEM) measurements
were performed on a TECNAI G2 (ACI) instrument operated at an
accelerating voltage of 200 kV. Surface morphologies were
measured by using a scanning electron microscope with the aid of a
JOEL JSM-6390 LVSEM operated at a voltage of 15–20 kV.
Absorption measurement was performed with a Cary 300 UV–vis
spectrophotometer from Agilent technologies. Fourier transform
infrared (FTIR) spectra of the aqueous broccoli extract and
synthesised CaO nanoparticles were measured in the range of
4000–400 cm−1 on a Cary 670 FTIR spectrometer from Agilent
Technologies. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) spectra were
obtained from SDTQ 600 thermal instrument. Samples were heated
in an alumina crucible at the rate of 10 min−1 in the temperature
range of 25–800°C under a nitrogen atmosphere. Photocatalytic
studies were performed with a photo reactor fabricated by North-
West University science workshop.
3 Result and discussion
3.1 Power XRD (p-XRD) studies
The p-XRD measurement of the samples was carried out to
identify the composition and phase of the samples. Fig. 1 shows the
overlapped p-XRD patterns of CaO nanoparticles C1, C2, and C3
prepared using 10, 20, and 30 ml of the extract, respectively. All
the three samples exhibit reflection peaks that can be indexed to a
cubic face-centred crystal structure and are consistent with the
standard JCPDS No. 77-2376 [32]. The XRD pattern showed that
the calcination process was accompanied by the formation of a
trace amount of CaCO3. This is due to rapid carbonation of
Ca(OH)2 and CaO by atmospheric carbon(IV) oxide [33].
Carbonation reaction for Ca(OH)2 and CaO has been reported to
progress very fast, and the rate is directly proportional to the
increase in the surface area [34, 35]. This is a confirmation of the
potential of the CaO in getting rid of CO2, a greenhouse gas from
the air [36].
The mean crystallite size was estimated to be in the range of
32–45 nm using Scherrer's equation, (D = Kλ/β cos θ) [37], where
β = full-width at half-maximum of diffraction peak, θ is the
position of the maximum of the diffraction peak, λ = 1.54 Å is the
wavelength of X-rays while K is the so-called shape factor, which
usually takes a value of about 0.9. Characteristic peaks were
observed to have high intensity and narrow spectra width, and this
is indicative of the good crystallinity of the CaO nanoparticles.
Based on standard XRD data of cubic CaO nanoparticles, the
889

Fig. 2 The electron microscopy images of C1
(A) TEM, (B) HRTEM and (a) SAED as inset micrographs of C1
Fig. 3 The electron microscopy images of C2
(A) TEM, (B) HRTEM and (b) SAED as inset micrographs of C2
reflected peaks with a corresponding 2θ value of ∼37.30° is the
most prominent and authentic peak of CaO nanoparticle [38].
3.2 TEM studies
TEM analysis was performed to study the morphology of the
nanoparticles. The TEM images of C1, C2, and C3 are presented in
Figs. 2A, 3A, and 4A, respectively. The micrographs showed cube-
like shaped nanoparticles with average particle sizes of 38, 32, and
29 nm for C1, C2, and C3, respectively. High-resolution
transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) of the images
presented in Figs. 2B, 3B, and 4B show the presence of lattice
fringes in the CaO nanoparticles which revealed the crystallinity of
the nanoparticles. The appearance of dispersive single crystals of
the SAED in insets, Figs. 2a, 3c, and 4b, confirm the crystallinity
of all the nanoparticles while the SAED spots with bright circular
rings match the different crystallographic planes of the cubic face
CaO. The concentration of aqueous extract seemed not to have any
appreciable effect on the morphology of the nanoparticles except in
the size.
3.3 Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy
dispersive spectroscopy (EDS)
Representative SEM micrographs of the nanoparticles are
presented in Figs. 5A–C. There is a noticeable variation in the
morphology of the nanoparticles. The SEM micrograph of C1
presented in Fig. 5A showed dense, nearly uniform spherical
shapes with traces of agglomerations, while C2 (in Fig. 5B)
showed tightly packed and spheroid porous nanoparticles that
appeared like dense platelets with intercalated hexagonal shapes.
Fig. 5C appeared to be similar to the first two SEM micrographs
with cluster-shaped nanoparticles that are around 0.25 µm in size.
EDS analysis was performed to investigate the elemental
composition of C1, C2, and C3. The results unequivocally
confirmed the presence of Ca and O elements as the major
composition of the biosynthesised samples. The percentage
elemental compositions of the nanoparticles are: O (47.86%), Ca
(50.02%), C (2.12%); O (47.17%), Ca (50.63%), C (2.20%); O
(47.01%), Ca (50.19%), C (2.80%) for C1, C2, and C3,
respectively.
890
Fig. 4 The electron microscopy images of C3
(A) TEM, (B) HRTEM and (c) SAED as inset micrographs of C3
Fig. 5 SEM micrograph of
(A) C1, (B) C2, (C) C3
3.4 UV-visible spectroscopic studies
The UV-absorbance spectra of the nanoparticles are depicted in
Figs. 6a–c. The absorbance spectra were recorded over a
wavelength range of 310–810 nm. The spectra showed absorption
edges at 298, 297 and 295 nm for C1, C2, and C3, respectively.
The bandgap energy of the nanoparticles was estimated using Tauc
plot [39].
The Tauc equation is represented as follows:
αhv = D hv − Eg ,
n
(1)
where hv is the energy of the incident photon, α is the linear
absorption coefficient of the material, Eg is the optical bandgap
energy, D is the constant, n = 2 as exponential for indirect bandgap
semiconductors.
A Tauc plot of αhv versus hv for C1, C2, and C3 nanoparticles
are depicted as insets in Figs. 6a–c. The Tauc plots revealed the
optical band gap of the nanoparticles as 4.16, 4.17, and 4.20 eV for
C1, C2, and C3, respectively. These band gap energies were
calculated from the extrapolation of the linear portion of the
respective plots to the x-axis (hv) or to absorption equal to zero.
The band gap energies for C1, C2, and C3 confirm that the
absorption of CaO nanoparticles lies in the UV region as seen from
the spectra in insets. The calculated band gap is comparable to the
similar band gap of 4.17 and 4.94 eV that have been reported [9,
40, 41]. There is a noticeable correlation between the volume of the
aqueous broccoli extract and the crystallite size of CaO. As the
volume of broccoli extract increases, the crystallite size slightly
reduces. This is similar to earlier report whereby a decrease in the
ratio of the plant extract to the nanoparticles precursor resulted in
an increase in the size of the nanoparticles [42]. However, an
increase in the crystallite size of Au nanoparticles has been
reported with an increase in the concentration of the plant extract
[43].
3.5 Thermal study
The decomposition process of the biosynthesised Ca(OH)2 was
investigated with TGA and the result is shown in Fig. 7. The
samples were heated from 35 to 800°C at the rate of 10°C/min.
Two major weight loss stages were identified; C1: 388–440°C,
376–443°C; C2: 366–440°C, 440–632°C; and C3: 443–670°C,
440–628°C. The first set of weight loss corresponded to the
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Fig. 6 UV-vis absorption spectra of
(a) C1, (b) C2, (c) C3 and their respective Tauc plot for band gap determination as
inset
decomposition of Ca(OH)2. The results obtained are comparable to
another literature report [44]. The decomposition of Ca(OH))2 into
CaO and water occurred around 400°C. The percentage weight loss
at this temperature (24.1%) is close to the calculated weight loss
(24.32%) in the reaction. CaO nanoparticles were obtained from
the calcination of the intermediate at 650°C. Different
intermediates have been reported to have different decomposition
temperatures [45, 46].
Decomposition peaks of C1, C2, and C3 were identified at 423,
412, and 418°C, respectively. The second stage of decomposition
occurred above 650°C, and it is accompanied by a rapid or fast
change in mass. This stage is associated with a complete
decomposition of Ca(OH)2 into CaO nanoparticles. At 650°C, the
weight of the residue left is comparable to the mass of CaO
nanoparticles for all the three samples.
IET Nanobiotechnol., 2018, Vol. 12 Iss. 7, pp. 888-894
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Fig. 7 TGA of broccoli mediated Ca(OH)2
Fig. 8 Overlapped FTIR of C1, C2, C3, and aqueous extract of broccoli
3.6 Infra-red spectra studies and reaction mechanism for
CaO nanoparticles formation
FTIR analysis was performed to establish the interaction between
the biosynthesised precursor, Ca(OH)2, and the phytochemical
components of broccoli plant extract. The bioactive molecules in
broccoli extract acted as a stabilising agent for the precursor
material, Ca(OH)2. Fig. 8 shows overlapped FTIR spectra of C1,
C2, and C3 and aqueous broccoli extract. The bands around 3635,
3661, and 3643 cm−1 in the spectra of C1, C2, and C3,
respectively, can be ascribed to the stretching vibration of OH in
Ca(OH)2 [47]. The spectrum of the aqueous broccoli extract
revealed a peak around 3438 cm−1 typical of N–H group of a
secondary amide. The appearance of peaks at 2931 cm−1 is
indicative of C–H stretching bonds of alkanes. A sharp peak
around 1587 cm−1 could be ascribed to the carbonyl group of the
secondary amide, and a band around 1591 cm−1 is due to the
bending vibration of N–H signified the presence of NH functional
group of a primary amine [48].
The spectrum of the Ca(OH)2 contained a relatively comparable
group with the bands observed in the spectrum of the leave extract,
but with a slight difference in the peak positions around 3438 and
1587 cm−1. The existence of a peak at 1078 cm−1 which was from
(C–O–O) of glycosidic linkage from broccoli plant was observable
around 1063, 1071, and 109 cm−1 in C1, C2, and C3, respectively
[49]. Absorption peaks at 1632 and 1017 in aqueous broccoli
spectra are due N–H bends of the amide derivatives and C–O
stretch of the carboxylic acid, respectively. These are secondary
metabolites present in broccoli and responsible for the reducing
activity of broccoli extract [50]. The sharp peak observed around
868 cm−1 for all the CaO nanoparticles can be attributed to the
presence of Ca–O–Ca bonding. The strong peaks around 443, 452,
and 463 cm−1 for C1, C2, and C3, respectively, are due to the CaO
bond. This confirmed the interaction of the plant extract with
biosynthesised Ca(OH)2.
891

Fig. 9 Proposed reaction mechanism for the formation of CaO
nanoparticles using an aqueous extract of broccoli. R represents the
remaining organic fragment of quercetin
Fig. 10 Photocatalysis spectra
(a) Photocatalytic degradation of BG using C3 as a catalyst and under UV irradiation
and inset, (b) Percentage degradation spectra
A possible mechanism of aqueous extract of broccoli mediated
synthesis of CaO nanoparticles is illustrated in Fig. 9. Green plants
are composed of various phytochemicals and antioxidants and
among them are flavonoids and polyphenols.
One of the active components of flavonoids is quertcetin and it
has been chosen as a representative of the active phytochemicals in
broccoli. These phytochemicals bound to the metal salts and
reduced it to the metal ions, which invariably reacts with the
hydroxyl ions of the quertcetin [51].
This triggered the formation of Ca(OH)2 which was
subsequently dried in an oven and calcined in the muffle furnace to
give CaO nanoparticles. FTIR revealed the presence of some of the
organic components of broccoli extract. The bioactive phenolic
compound in broccoli acts as reducing and stabilising agents for
the metal oxide nanoparticles.
892
Fig. 11 Plot of ln Ao/A as a function of time for first order photocatalytic
degradation of BG using C3 as catalyst under UV light irradiation
3.7 Photocatalytic activity of C3
Fig. 10 shows the absorption spectra for the photocatalytic
degradation of BG under UV irradiation with C3 acting as the
catalyst. The choice of BG as a model dye for organic pollutant
stem up from the fact that many of the dyes found in wastewater
have sulphonic –S- (SO3) and 2-(sulphoxy)ethyl sulphonyl moiety.
Two absorption bands are observable in the spectrum of the BG:
the first around 443 nm and the second (which is more intense) is
conspicuously located at 616 nm. Evaluation of the photocatalytic
activity of C3 was carried out over a period of 180 min. Successive
aliquots of about 2 ml of the dye solution and suspension were
taken at 30 min interval, and the UV-vis absorption revealed a
gradual decrease in the peak with time. There was a substantial
degradation of the BG dye as could be confirmed from the
photocatalytic degradation spectra in Fig. 5. The efficiency of the
degradation was calculated, and the spectra are shown as an inset.
After 180 min of UV irradiation, the degradation of the dye was
∼60%, and this could be confirmed by the decolouration of the dye
solution. Photocatalytic efficiency of the nanoparticles is affected
by the adsorption of the dye on the surface of the catalyst [52].
The mechanism of photocatalytic degradation could be
described as follows: upon irradiation by UV source, electrons on
the surface of CaO are excited from the valence band to the
conduction band, leaving a positive hole in the valence band. The
holes can react with electron donors in the mixture or solution to
give strong oxidising free radicals like the hydroxyl radical which
can oxidise the organic dyes on the surface. The following equation
describes the photocatalytic reaction:
− +
CaO + hv → CaO + eCBhVB ,
+
hVB + OH− → OH∙,
+
hVB + H2O → OH∙ + H+,
OH∙ + organic molecules (BG) + O2 → CO2 + H2O,
(products)
e−CB + O2 → O−2 ,
−
eCB + h+VB → heat,
where hv is the UV irradiation, h+ represents valence-band holes
and e− stands for the conduction-band electrons.
A plot of ln(Ao/A) against time presented in Fig. 11 reveals a
linear correlation with irradiation time. This is indicative of a
pseudo first-order kinetics of the photodegradation of BG dye by
C3. The rate constant (k) of the photocatalytic reaction is 0.0052,
and the correlation coefficient from the graph is 0.9891. The
correlation value of almost 1 reflects the best adsorption rate.
4 Conclusion
This study demonstrates the biosynthesis of Ca(OH)2 using
aqueous broccoli extract as reducing and capping agent and
subsequent calcination of the precursor at 650°C for 1 h to obtain
IET Nanobiotechnol., 2018, Vol. 12 Iss. 7, pp. 888-894
© The Institution of Engineering and Technology 2018
CaO nanoparticles. The sizes of nanoparticles were in the range
29–38 nm, depending on the volume of the aqueous extract used.
Optical band gap energies were calculated using Tauc plot, and it
was observed that the particles sizes variation is inversely
proportional to optical band gap energies of the nanoparticles.
Furthermore, the TEM micrograph showed that as the volume of
aqueous broccoli extract used increases, the particle sizes reduces.
Photocatalytic activity of a representative sample, C3, was
evaluated against BG and a substantial discoloration of the dye was
observed with a degradation efficiency estimated to be 60%. The
exploitation of environmentally friendly materials such as aqueous
plant extract for the synthesis of nanoparticles affords researchers a
unique alternative to the chemical route. All the drawbacks of
chemical synthesis are circumvented and eco-friendly green route
to synthesis which is economically viable is employed.
5 Acknowledgments
JO is thankful to North-West for the offer of a postdoctoral
research fellowship. Authors gratefully appreciate North-West
University for financial support to carry out this work.
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