Green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles.

Plant mediated synthesis of nanoparticles have elucidated as a promising alternative for traditional chemical and physical methods. The present study states a green approach for the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles - a versatile inorganic metal oxide employing aqueous extract of Mikaniamicrantha - a terrestrial weed. Plant extract was used as the biological reduction agent for synthesizing zinc oxide nanoparticles from zinc acetate dehydrate (Zn(CH3COO)2).2H2O. The resultant nano powder was characterized using various analytical techniques, such as UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy and BET analysis. The size range of nanoparticles obtained was 20-30 nm as reported by SEM with spherical morphology. X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles and particle size within the range provided by electron microscopy data. BET studies revealed that the particles has a specific surface area of 18.918 m²/g and the scope for further adsorption studies. Nanoparticles were tested for their antibacterial potential and were found to be active against Gram positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Hence, an easy and effective green approach for synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles, with efficient antibacterial potential is reported in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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