Green Solvent-mediated Solution Combustion Synthesis of Photocatalytic Active Copper-doped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and their Antimicrobial Activity Study
J. Environ. Nanotechnol., Volume 13, No 4 (2024) pp. 36-46
Abstract
Environmental concerns over water pollution, particularly from chemical and biological sources, have become increasingly pressing in contemporary society. This study investigates the effectiveness of solution combustion synthesized pure and copper-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles in photocatalytically degrading dye pollutants focusing on methylene blue. Using a green solvent solution combustion process, copper-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles were prepared and tested for their ability to degrade methylene blue dye. Parameters influencing the photodegradation efficiency including catalyst concentration, pH levels, and dye concentration were systematically evaluated. Results indicate that the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye increases with irradiation time, achieving up to 94% degradation in just three hours. The nanoparticles were characterized using XRD, UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and SEM. The antimicrobial activity of synthesized nanoparticles was evaluated against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The copper-doped zinc oxide exhibited significant antimicrobial activity, with a zone of inhibition measuring 12 mm and 17 mm against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. By leveraging their multifunctional properties, these nanoparticles not only contribute to improving public health through their microbial properties but also play a crucial role in environmental remediation by breaking down harmful organic compounds. Thus, they represent a promising innovation in medicine and environmental science, offering a sustainable solution to mitigate pollution caused by organic dye.
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