Exploring the Potential of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles: Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Applications with Dabur Honey and Horn Honey

The present investigation demonstrates the crucial role of ecological synthesis in the production of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles utilizing organic extracts as reducing agents. Two significant applications for these nanoparticles have shown enticing potential: photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye and antibacterial activities. According to the study, two different honey extracts perform adequately as a reducing agent for producing CuO nanoparticles with a well-defined monoclinic crystalline structure. The UV–visible absorption spectrum of CuO nanoparticles indicates the blue shift with an increase of the organic extract. The chemical structure and the functional group of CuO nanoparticles are estimated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows the surface of copper oxide nanoparticles. CuO nanoparticles have proven to be lightly effective in photocatalytic applications, successfully breaking down the MB dye when exposed to UV light. Hence, establishing themselves as a feasible option for environment-friendly water purification. Additionally, these CuO nanoparticles exhibited antibacterial activity and gave good results against four microorganisms Klebsiella, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, and Enterococcus.