Green synthesis of wurtzite Vg-ZnO nanoparticles: enhanced photocatalytic efficiency and antimicrobial properties

Environmental contamination, driven by direct and indirect causes, is a critical global challenge. Modern physicochemical techniques to ecological restoration have grown in popularity in order to develop eco-friendly and long-term solutions. The goal of this research is to create a bio-nanomaterial capable of digesting organic pollutants and suppressing microbial infections while producing no undesirable by-products. Veldt grape (Vg) leaf extract was used to produce zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) utilizing a green technique. Multiple approaches were used to characterize the physicochemical properties of Vg-ZnO NPs. UV–vis spectroscopy confirmed a maximum absorption range of 360–368 nm, while XRD examination revealed a wurtzite hexagonal phase with crystallite sizes ranging between 6.6 and 13.1 nm. FTIR spectra indicated the presence of flavonoids, phenols, and hydroxyl groups, while SEM pictures revealed a petal-like morphology, which EDAX validated for elemental composition. The photocatalytic activity of Vg-ZnO NPs was tested for MB dye degradation, and they achieved 90.6% disintegration during 120 min of UV light irradiation, with catalyst dose, dye concentration, pH, and reusability optimized. Antimicrobial effectiveness was evaluated against Edwardsiella tarda, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans, with K. pneumoniae having the largest inhibition zone of 25 mm. The improved photocatalytic and antibacterial properties of Vg-ZnO NPs highlight their potential for organic pollutant breakdown and environmental remediation.

Graphical abstract