Green synthesis of yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanoparticles by Agathosma Betulina leaf extract: Structural, optical and antimicrobial properties

Yttrium oxide (Y 2 O 3 ) is a promising rare-earth compound that is rarely studied. This study reports on the synthesis, structural, morphological, optical and antimicrobial properties of Y 2 O 3 nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized using Agathosma betulina leaf extract. XRD pattern indicated that the crystalline phase was achieved for the sample calcined at [Formula: see text]C with body-centered cubic symmetry. SEM and TEM images of Y 2 O 3 nanopowder showed the nearly spherical morphology of agglomerated NPs with an average diameter of 13[Formula: see text]nm. Optical properties revealed that the bandgap of Y 2 O 3 NPs ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]eV) has been increased compared with the bulk Y 2 O 3 ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]eV). Moreover, the antimicrobial activity was also evaluated against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria of clinical interest. Results demonstrated that the synthesized Y 2 O 3 NPs exhibited higher bacteriostatic effects against gram-negative bacterial strains due to their thin cell wall structure. These results show that the synthesized Y 2 O 3 NPs are suitable for antibacterial control systems and medicines.