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.