Development of polyvinylpyrrolidone‐based zinc oxide nanocomposites: An outstanding and inexpensive biocide for use on germicidal and photodegradation vitality

An environmentally sustainable method was used to synthesize a novel class of biopolymer‐based PVP/ZnO nanocomposites (NCs) with pomegranate peel residue extract as a biosurfactant, zinc acetate as the primary material, PVP as the stabilizing substance and sodium hydroxide as the resolving product. Significant global concerns for human health and the environment are caused by the presence of disease‐causing microbes and toxic dyes in water supplies. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) exhibit exceptional photocatalytic and antibacterial efficacy toward reactive dye and bacterial strains. The microstructure of the NPs was analyzed by employing X‐ray diffraction (XRD), with a size of 20.24 nm. Investigation using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) revealed the appearance of nanoflakes‐shaped PVP‐ZnO nanoparticles with a size ranging from 20 to 30 nm. The mixed composition of the nanoparticles was demonstrated using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and an intensity of absorption at 346 nm was seen using UV–Vis spectroscopy. The PVP‐ZnO nanoparticles demonstrated exceptional photocatalytic efficacy, destroying about 90% of the reactive MB dye. The NPs exhibited antibacterial activity against E. aerogenes, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and K. pneumonia, with boundaries of inhibition of 21, 19, 18, and 16 mm, correspondingly. The results indicate that PVP‐ZnO nanoparticles may be efficiently employed for water purification, successfully removing both dye and pathogenic pollutants.