Green Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles from Onion Peel Wastes

Onion peel and Zn(CH3COO)(2). 2H(2)O were used as a starting material for the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs). The formation of ZnONPs was first observed by changing the color of the Zn(CH3COO)(2). 2H(2)O solution from colorless to yellow. The Zn-extract solution was tested by a UV-Vi spectrophotometer, and the maximum absorbance peak formation at 362 nm, which belongs to ZnONPs, was observed. For the synthesis of ZnONPs, the optimum Zn(CH3COO)(2). 2H(2)O concentration was determined to be 0.2 M, the optimum temperature was 60 degrees C, the optimum pH was 12.0, and the optimum extract volume was 10 mL. The formation of ZnONPs was identified with the evaluation of SEM images and UV spectra. It was shown that agricultural wastes are re-used and onion peel waste is suitable for the production of ZnONPs.