Studies on photocatalytic mineralization of organic pesticides by bimetallic Cu–Zn nanoparticles derived from Zingiber officinale Roscoe (ginger) using green chemistry approach

Compared to monometallic nanoparticles, bimetallic nanoparticle synthesis and characterization have attracted more attention due to their superior environmental protection properties. In this study, we discuss the preparation and characterization of Cu–Zn bimetallic nanoparticles using Zinger extract, as well as their potential role in photocatalytic degradation of carbendazim, chlorpyrifos, monocrotophos, and cypermethrin. Surface properties were assessed with SEM and TEM, while UV–VIS, XRD, FTIR, and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to characterize the materials. It was observed that higher pH conditions were more conducive to the development of stable Cu–Zn BMNPs with diameters ranging from 60 to 100 nm. UV–VIS spectroscopy showed that the Cu–Zn bimetallic nanoparticles photodegraded 53–95% of the pesticides, monocrotophos, chlorpyrifos, and carbendazim during the 24–72-h incubation period. A number of pesticides may be photocatalytically degraded by primary reactive radicals produced by nanoparticles. We propose that the use of bimetallic nanoparticles could be one alternative strategy for pesticide mineralization.