Photocatalytic Dye Degradation and Bio-Insights of Honey-Produced α-Fe2O3 Nanoparticles
, Md Ataul Islam 6 and Wen-Cheng Lai 7,8,*
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
In this work, Sharmila et al have analyzed α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles using techniques such as XRD, FTIR spectroscopy, TEM, VSM, etc. The authors also evaluated the nanoparticles for antibacterial and antifungal activity. The mechanisms are studied and described in detail for each method used.
Overall, the study is scientifically sound and I would recommend this work for publication. I do not have any specific comments but I would encourage authors to proofread the manuscript for grammatical and typographical errors.
Author Response
Reviewer 1:
In this work, Sharmila et al have analyzed α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles using techniques such as XRD, FTIR spectroscopy, TEM, VSM, etc. The authors also evaluated the nanoparticles for antibacterial and antifungal activity. The mechanisms are studied and described in detail for each method used.
Thanks for the author comments and their precious time for evaluating the manuscript.
Overall, the study is scientifically sound and I would recommend this work for publication. I do not have any specific comments but I would encourage authors to proofread the manuscript for grammatical and typographical errors
As per reviewer suggestions the manuscript were completely checked and corrected the mistakes and typos in the manuscript.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
In my opinion, I suggest to be published as it is.
Author Response
Reviewer 2:
In my opinion, I suggest to be published as it is.
Thanks for the author comments and their precious time for evaluating the manuscript.
Reviewer 3 Report
The presented Manuscript entitled “ Photocatalytic dye degradation and bio-insights of honey produced α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles” evaluated the Iron oxide nanoparticle for degradation methylene blue dye.
Some questions should be clarified before publication.
1. In the title of the article the authors cite dye degradation, however, it is not specified in the abstract. The abstract needs to be improved.
2. Why did the authors choose MB to degrade? The use of dyes in photocatalysis is very problematic. (see: DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b00213).
3 Could the authors describe more about the surface morphology indicated in the analysis of FESEM images.
4. In the preparation of the sample, drying was performed at 600oC / 2 hours. Is the sample sent for analysis of Magnetic parameters Fe(NO3)3.9H2O?
5. What is the pH of the MB solution? Operating conditions should be added.
6. Is there air bubbling in the reaction or additive?
In my opinion, the manuscript should be improved for publication.
Author Response
Reviewer 3:
- In the title of the article the authors cite dye degradation, however, it is not specified in the abstract. The abstract needs to be improved.
As per reviewer suggestions we have modified the abstract section in revised manuscript.
- Why did the authors choose MB to degrade? The use of dyes in photocatalysis is very problematic. (see: DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b00213).
As per reviewer suggestions we have included the importance of MB dye and photocatalysis in revised manuscript.
3 Could the authors describe more about the surface morphology indicated in the analysis of FESEM images.
As per reviewer suggestions we have modified the FESEM section and included in revised manuscript.
- In the preparation of the sample, drying was performed at 600oC / 2 hours. Is the sample sent for analysis of Magnetic parameters Fe(NO3)3.9H2O?
We have performed the VSM analysis in 600oC /2 hours treated sample.
- What is the pH of the MB solution? Operating conditions should be added.
The MB solution pH is 6.15 and we have included the operating conditions in revised manuscript.
- Is there air bubbling in the reaction or additive?
Air bubbling comes in heating time and rich amount of carbon produced the air bubbles.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 3 Report
In my opinion, the article can be accepted for publication.
This manuscript is a resubmission of an earlier submission. The following is a list of the peer review reports and author responses from that submission.
