article · Catalysts
This research explores a green method for synthesising zinc oxide nanoparticles using leaf extract as a natural reducing agent. The particles were annealed at 320 degrees Celsius and 500 degrees Celsius to evaluate how processing conditions affect their characteristics. Analysis showed that the nanoparticles adopted a hexagonal wurtzite structure, with plant extract concentration directly influencing crystallite size, defect density, and particle aggregation. Testing revealed a reduced band gap energy alongside increased Urbach energy under higher extract concentrations and annealing temperatures. The resulting nanomaterials demonstrated significant antimicrobial efficacy against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and Candida albicans. Furthermore, tests on the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye showed removal efficiencies reaching up to 74 percent for samples annealed at 500 degrees Celsius, pointing to potential roles in wastewater treatment and environmental remediation.
Conventional nanomaterial production often relies on hazardous chemicals and energy-intensive methods. Utilising plant extracts offers a greener, safer route to create functional materials. Because these zinc oxide nanoparticles show strong activity against microbes and can degrade synthetic dyes, they present sustainable possibilities for addressing microbial contamination and industrial wastewater pollution.
This work demonstrates potential applications for developers of antimicrobial agents and industrial water purification systems. The reported laboratory degradation of methylene blue dye and inhibition of standard pathogens indicate early-stage research. Transitioning to commercial use will require further testing on complex wastewater mixtures, safety evaluations, and scalable manufacturing methods.
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This study investigates the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using leaf extract as a natural reducing agent, evaluating their antimicrobial and photocatalytic properties. The nanoparticles were annealed at 320 °C and 500 °C, and the effects of leaf extract concentration and annealing temperature on their structural, morphological, and electronic properties were systematically explored. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO, with crystallite size and defect density being influenced by the concentration of the extract. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the formation of smaller, spherical particles, with increased aggregation observed at higher extract concentrations. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) identified key functional groups, such as hydroxyl groups, C–O bonds, and metal–oxygen vibrations. UV–Vis spectroscopy showed a reduction in band gap energy and an increase in Urbach energy as the extract concentration and annealing temperature were increased. The antimicrobial activity of the ZnO NPs was evaluated against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as Candida albicans, demonstrating significant antibacterial efficacy. Photocatalytic degradation studies of methylene blue dye revealed a superior efficiency of up to 74% for the annealed samples, particularly at 500 °C. This research highlights the potential of green-synthesized ZnO NPs for a wide range of applications, including antimicrobial agents, water purification, and environmental catalysis. It contributes to the advancement of sustainable nanotechnology, offering promising solutions for both technological and ecological challenges.
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DOI: 10.3390/catal15030256
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