A calcium doped ZnONPs used for photocatalytic, electrochemical sensor and antimicrobial studies
摘要
A green chemistry approach was used for the synthesis of calcium-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (Ca: ZnONPs) using Catharanthus roseus (Vinca rosea) plant extract. The structural morphology and chemical composition was examined by various analytical techniques. The XRD studies showed that the Wurtzite structure of ZnO remains unchanged when Ca is substituted to ZnO. Using the Scherer equation, the samples’ crystallite sizes were determined, which ranged between 25.04 nm. SEM determined the spherical shaped nanoparticles. EDAX spectra showed the presence of Zn, Ca, and O atoms. The DRS indicated an optical energy gaps (Eg) of Pure 2.82 eV, and 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12% Ca: ZnONPs was found to be 3.06, 3.08, 3.10 and 3.07 eV. Based on the above results to confirm the synthesized material and further used for the application of sensors, photocatalytic studies (PCA) and biological studies. The Ca: ZnONPs was used for PCA, it shows absorption maxima at 497 nm and exhibits catalyst effect for degradation of the Congo red dye upto 96% over the period of 120 min under the UV-Vis irradiation. The Ca: ZnONPs used for detection of niacin and glutamic acid by cyclic voltammetry. The results showed a redox potential in the range of 0.5 to -0.75 V. The higher electrochemical activity produced by Ca2+ doping and surface redox processes involving ZnO/Zn(OH)₂/ZnOOH species are the primary causes of the redox peaks observed for Ca-doped ZnO electrodes in 1 M KOH. ZnO experiences a reversible redox shift in an alkaline media (KOH). The EIS-Nyquist study of Ca: ZnONPs indicates that its smaller semicircle arc liable towards the X-axis is 32 Ω, indicating high capacitance and maximum charge-transfer resistance. Furthermore Ca: ZnONPs shows the great antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus spp. From the assay test these nanoparticle shows effective anti-fungal activity against aspergillus Niger and cladosporium.
Graphical abstract