Green synthesis of ZnO NPs using Timur ( Zanthoxylum armatum DC.) plant extract for antimicrobial and dye degradation applications

In this manuscript, the plant extract of Timur ( Zanthoxylum armatum DC.) was used as a reducing agent for the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). The pattern of X-ray diffraction showed that a pure hexagonal structure had formed, and the crystallite size was measured to be 30.124 nm. Rietveld Refinement verified the phase and structure formation . The production of NPs with a bandgap of 3.18 eV was validated by Ultra Violet-Visible analysis and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The rod-like shape was observed using field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Based on the distribution of particle sizes, the average particle size was obtained about 16.24 ± 2 nm. Antimicrobial activity showed that NPs are effective against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans , with an inhibition zone of 13 mm, 10 mm and 17 mm, respectively. It has been shown that NPs have a dye degradation effectiveness of around 95.9% against Congo Red. Therefore, the nanoparticles that were synthesized are useful for the applications including antimicrobial treatment and water purification.