Green synthesis and characterization of aluminum oxide nanoparticle using neem leaf extract (Azadirachta Indica)

Abstract

Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized from neem leaf extracts (Azadirachta Indica) at varying concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 molarities. The nanoparticles were characterized for their structural, morphological, elemental, optical, and electrochemical properties using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrophotometer (EDX), UV–Vis spectrophotometer, and a 3-electrode potentiostat respectively. The samples exhibited a cubic crystal structure with prominent peak shifts at increasing molarities. Nanospherical morphology was obtained from the surface morphology obtained. EDX plots confirmed as-deposited elements from the spectra. Optical analysis gave absorption peak at 370 nm and energy band gap values ranging from 2.20 eV to 2.74 eV at decreasing molarities. The aluminum oxide electrodes exhibited good cyclic reversibility and energy storage capacity. Specific capacitance values were obtained for values of 233.5 F/g, 241.7 F/g, 252.0 F/g, and 273.2 F/g at increasing molarity values of 0.1 M, 0.2 M, 0.3 M, and 0.4 M. The prepared nanoparticles find potential applications in optical, solar, and electrochemical storage devices.