Sustainable Synthesis of Green Cu2O Nanoparticles using Avocado Peel Extract as Biowaste Source

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards the production of advanced nanomaterials using sustainable methods, reflecting a heightened focus on reducing environmental impact and optimizing resource utilization. This growing interest stems from the necessity to address environmental concerns and embrace eco-friendly practices in material synthesis. The primary objective of this study is to explore the eco-friendly synthesis of novel metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) by utilizing bio-waste as a sustainable precursor. The central theme revolves around employing ultrasound-assisted techniques for Cu2O NP synthesis, with a specific emphasis on utilizing avocado peel waste as an effective phytochemical compound for capping. Through systematic process optimization, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of the resulting NPs, delving into their chemical, thermal, and surface properties. Advanced characterization techniques, including X-ray Diffraction analysis (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), were employed to gain profound insights into the attributes of the synthesized NPs. Our experimental results conclusively demonstrate the successful synthesis of spherical Cu2O NPs, each with a diameter of 25 ± 2 nm. This was achieved by utilizing avocado peel waste (APW) and ultrasound-assisted cavitation at room temperature. The study significantly contributes to our understanding of the potential applications of green synthesis methods, paving the way for environmentally friendly and cost-effective Cu2O NPs.