Foliar-mediated Ag:ZnO nanophotocatalysts: green synthesis, characterization, pollutants degradation, and in vitro biocidal activity

Abstract

A green, biomimetic, and one-pot synthesis of silver-doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Ag) nanoparticles via hydrothermal route utilizing Prunus cerasifera leaf extract has been reported for the first time. Synthetic route involved optimization for leaf extract. Doped nanoparticles were characterized for crystalline, optical, compositional, and morphological makeup via X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Direct energy bandgap was calculated through Tauc plot. The incorporation of Ag+ into Zn2+ sites within ZnO crystal was obtained using leaf extract as a reducing agent. Ag inculcated positional modifications in ZnO structure confirmed via XRD-shifted peaks. Ag:ZnO nanoparticles were found to be an efficient nanophotocatalyst against bromocresol green and bromophenol blue (R2=0.83 and 0.95, respectively) in direct solar irradiance. Degradation efficiencies up to 86% and 95% in less than 15min were achieved. Furthermore, the synthesized doped nanoparticles expressed highly active to active zones of inhibition against nine microbes of pathogenic nature toward human and crops. Doped nanoparticles inhibitory activity was found to exceed standard antibiotic drugs ampicillin and amphotericin B in a standard Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay. Creditable photocatalytic and antimicrobial activities of synthesized doped nanoparticles signify their prospects in commercialization into nanophotocatalyst and bactericidal/fungicidal agent at industrial scale.

Plant-Based Bimetallic Silver-Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: A Comprehensive Perspective of Synthesis, Biomedical Applications, and Future Trends

“…Silver/zinc oxide-based bimetallic nanoparticles synthesized by the biological method are reported for several other usages, for example, sensor selectivity [ 122 ], photoluminance [ 123 ], excellent osteointegration, infection prevention [ 124 ], and anti-inflammation [ 125 ]. Ag/ZnO NPs prepared by propolis extract are reported for wound healing treatment [ 126 ], whereas Ag/ZnO NPs prepared by Prunus cerasifera are being used for pollutant degradation and in vitro biocidal performance [ 127 ]. The applications of silver-zinc oxide bimetallic nanoparticles are summarized in Table 1 .…”

UV Photochromism in Transition Metal Oxides and Hybrid Materials

“…Environment friendly approaches for synthesis of ZnO and TiO 2 nanostructures have been one of the focus areas of the research. For example, green synthesis methods such as hydrothermal route utilizing Prunus cerasifera leaf, [ 239 ] calcination of broccoli extract, [ 240 ] using water extract of Calotropis gigantea leaves, [ 241 ] application of Carissa edulis as the capping agent for the preparation of ZnO nanostructures [ 242 ] have been reported recently. Immobilization of such nanostructures is necessary for environment friendly applications of ZnO and TiO 2.…”

Zinc-Based Nanomaterials for Diagnosis and Management of Plant Diseases: Ecological Safety and Future Prospects

“…Nanomaterials exhibit antibacterial potentials manifested as disintegration of the cell membrane leading to leakage of the cytoplasmic contents followed by the lysis of the bacterial cells [ 47 , 76 , 77 ]. Passive internalization of the NPs can occur through porin-ion channels in Gram-negative bacteria [ 78 ], whereas in Gram-positive bacteria, presence of thick cell wall hinders passive internalization and therefore, dissolved ionic species (e.g., Zn 2+ , Cu 2+ , and Fe 2+ ions) released by the nanoparticles in vicinity of the cell surface get chelated by lipoteichoic acid [ 79 ].…”