Biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles from Phyllanthus Niruri plant extract for photocatalytic and antioxidant activities

ABSTRACT

The lack of access to hygienic conditions and clean water is a serious issue in developing countries. Eco-friendly, bio-synthesised nanomaterials-based catalyst will be potential candidate material for waste water treatment. In this study, Phyllanthus niruri plant extract was used to make non-toxic, cost-effective ZnO NPs. The X-ray diffraction pattern was shown that the bio-synthesised ZnO NPs were in hexagonal wurtzite structure. The SEM image was used to analyse the surface morphology of the NPs, and the chemical purity of the NPs was analysed by EDAX spectrum. The various functional groups that exist in the NPs and purity of the prepared samples were analysed by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The bio-synthesised ZnO NPs decolourised the methylene blue dye and Reactive Red 120. The larger surface area of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) and wide absorption band of the NPs led to superior photocatalytic activity under the sunlight irradiation. The bio-synthesised ZnO NPs prevented or slowed down the oxidative damage of cells by controlling the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

KEYWORDS:

• Biosynthesis
• structural property
• FTIR
• photocatalytic activity
• antioxidant activity

Acknowledgments

The author P. Ramesh wish to acknowledge at highly grateful UGC-SERO, Hyderabad sanctioning the minor research project (MRP 6840/16).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the University Grants Commission [MRP 6840/16].