Unveiling the Quassia indica derived synthesis of Co3O4/ZnO nanohybrids for efficient dye degradation and cytotoxicity assessment.

Abstract

While there are exciting possibilities in nanotechnology, creating environmentally safe nanoparticles with a variety of uses in photocatalysis and biomedicine continues to be a significant issue. This work addresses the gap by introducing Quassia indica leaf extract as a bio reductant and stabilizer in the green synthesis of cobalt oxide-zinc oxide nanoparticles (QI: Co₃O₄/ZnO NP). The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using various techniques, including UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The existence of hexagonal zinc oxide and cubic cobalt oxide phases in the synthesized nanoparticles was verified by XRD analysis. The elemental composition was confirmed by EDX, which showed that oxygen, zinc, and cobalt were present. The average hydrodynamic diameter of 244.5 d. nm was found via DLS measurements, indicating well dispersed nanoparticles. Under UV light irradiation, photocatalytic activity of QI: Co₃O₄/ZnO NP was assessed for the degradation of textile dyes (Reactive Blue-222, Reactive Blue-220, Reactive Red-120, and Reactive Yellow-145). Phytotoxicity tests were conducted to examine the possible environmental impact of the deteriorated dye solution, revealing promising results in mitigating the detrimental impact of industrial dyes. QI: Co₃O₄/ZnO NP was also assessed for cytotoxicity studies in DLA and EAC cells which showed a concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect. The research outcomes emphasize the significant potential of these nanoparticles in diverse arena by offering a sustainable and efficacious resolution to the present-day problems.