Work

Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Dyes Under Natural Solar Light Using Facile One‐Step Green Synthesized ZrO2 Nanoparticles

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT The growing interest for eco‐friendly nanomaterials has driven the search for cost‐effective synthesis methods, with zirconium dioxide nanoparticles (ZrO2‐NPs) gaining interest for their photocatalytic and antibacterial properties. The ambitions of this study are to synthesize ZrO2‐NPs by the use of lichen extract and evaluate their performance in pollutant degradation and antimicrobial activity. The nanoparticles had been characterized by the use of UV–Vis spectroscopy, which confirms their formation with an absorption peak at 234 nm, at the same time as FTIR evaluation diagnosed functional groups responsible for stabilization. XRD evaluation discovered their crystalline nature, FESEM images showed their spherical morphology, and EDX spectroscopy verified their elemental composition. Photocatalytic experiments underneath sunlight proved efficient degradation of Malachite Green (84%) and Phenol Red (75.5%). Antibacterial studies confirmed good activity toward Staphylococcus aureus (18 mm zone of inhibition), while Escherichia coli exhibited low sensitivity (9 mm area of inhibition). These findings spotlight the capacity of green‐synthesized ZrO2‐NPs for wastewater treatment and antimicrobial programs.

Source: Microscopy Research and Technique

DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24870

Authors: Rinku Rana, Waseem Ahmad, Abhilasha Mishra, Sanjay Kumar, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shoeb Anwar Ansari

Institutions: Graphic Era University, King Saud University, University of Messina

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: King Saud University