Efficient removal of amoxicillin and methyl orange with antibacterial activity assessment via nanostructured ZnO coatings synthesized by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method

Our study explores the potential of ZnO nanostructured coatings synthesized through ultrasonic spray pyrolysis and focuses on the dual functionality of these coatings—efficiently removing amoxicillin and methyl orange, while also assessing their antibacterial activity. The characterization techniques used in this work include Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and UV–visible spectroscopy. The degradation rates of amoxicillin and methyl orange were studied through the decrease in absorption bands at 228 nm and 436 nm, respectively, under UV irradiation. By closely analyzing the responses of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Bacillus Cereus and Bacillus Subtilis bacteria, zinc oxide thin films demonstrate antibacterial efficacy due to the attraction of opposite charges to the bacterial surface, which influences the oxidation process of the membrane, ultimately resulting in cellular death.