Green synthesis of Zinc Oxide nanoparticles, antibacterial studies and investigation as catalyst for the conversion of pumpkin oil into biodiesel

Abstract

Zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by employing solution combustion method using environmental friendly Cellophyllum innophyllum seed powder as fuel. Phase purity, crystallite size were determined from X-ray diffraction (XRD). Organic species attached to the surface of the nanoparticle were identified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Morphological studies were performed using TEM and SEM. Bandgap increased with decreasing particle size as confirmed from the diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) white light luminescence capabilities of ZnO NPs were studied using photoluminescence spectroscopy. In vitro antibacterial activity studies and catalytic property for the conversion of pumpkin seed oil into biodiesel were performed.