Iwan Syahjoko Saputra, Eka Nurfani, Evi Maryanti, Achmad Gus Fahmi, Anjar Hermadi Saputro, Dicky Annas, Harits Atika Ariyanta, Yoki Yulizar
This study reports the successful and eco-friendly synthesis of ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles using Elaeis guineensis Jacq (EG) leaf extract. This method is a key novelty, as EG leaf are typically considered waste. Qualitative analysis confirmed the presence of secondary metabolites like alkaloids and flavonoids in the EG leaf extract, which served as a natural base source, capping agent, and particle growth controller for preventing agglomeration. The nanoparticles results exhibited spherical morphology and high crystallinity, with average crystallite sizes of 35.27 nm (ZnO) and 42.30 nm (TiO2). Optical characterization desirable band gap values of 3.33 eV (ZnO) and 3.20 eV (TiO2). Importantly, UV-protection calculations demonstrated that the ZnO nanoparticles achieved a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 35.24, and the TiO2 nanoparticles achieved an SPF of 25.94. The results indicate that the EG leaf extract synthesized ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles are promising and effective active UVB-protection agents for use in sunscreen products formulation. © 2026 Elsevier Ltd. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.
Department of Cosmetic Engineering, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Institut Teknologi Sumatera (ITERA), South Lampung, 35365, Indonesia; Department of Material Engineering, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Institut Teknologi Sumatera (ITERA), South Lampung, 35365, Indonesia; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Bengkulu (UNIB), Bengkulu, 38371, Indonesia; Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, Institut Teknologi Sumatera (ITERA), South Lampung, 35365, Indonesia; Research Center for Catalysis, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), B.J. Habibie Science and Technology Area, South Tangerang, 15314, Indonesia; Research Center for Biomass and Bioproduct, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), B.J. Habibie Science and Technology Area, South Tangerang, 15314, Indonesia; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Indonesia (UI), Depok, 16424, Indonesia