Eco-friendly approach for the synthesis of Y₂O₃ nanoparticles and assessment of potential applications

Y₂O₃ NPs have attracted significant interest due to their exceptional physicochemical properties and biocompatibility, which make them highly versatile for applications in optoelectronics, catalysis, biomedicine, and other fields. Various chemical methods are used to produce these particles, which can have adverse effects on the environment and human body. In this context, this study focuses on the synthesis of Y₂O₃ NPs based on eco-friendly method, using Echinacea extract, which contains phytochemicals to stabilize, prevent agglomeration, control the size and morphology of particles. In this study, in addition to the extract, a metallic precursor of [Y(NO₃)₃∙6H₂O, 50 mM) was used, and [NH₄OH, 0.5 M] as precipitating agent; the resulting precipitate was subjected to treatment at 1100°C. The formation of Y₂O₃ NPs was confirmed through morphological, compositional, and structural characterization, and the wetting capacity. SEM analysis revealed spherical morphology with ranging in size from 17 to 45 nm. The EDX spectrum shows only the characteristic peaks of (Y) and (O), with no other elements detected. The XRD analysis indicates the formation of a cubic structure corresponding to the Ia3 space group (no. 206), with an average crystal size of ~21 nm. The FTIR spectra reveal absorption bands associated with the vibrational modes of the Y-O bond, as well as functional groups specific to the biomolecules in the extract used. The Raman spectrum shows bands that can be attributed to various vibrational modes, with a maximum intensity at 373 cm⁻¹ attributed to the F_g mode. The material’s hydrophilic nature highlights its wetting capacity, with a contact angle of approximately 73°. The synergy between its morphostructural properties and its hydrophilic nature highlights the potential for using Y₂O₃ in specific biomedical, chemical, and environmental monitoring applications.

Acknowledgements: This work was supported by a grant of the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digitization, CNCS-UEFISCDI, project number PN-IV-P2-2.1-TE-2023-0417.