Synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles from Zn-hyperaccumulator (Sedum alfredii Hance) plants

This Letter focuses on the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles from Zn-hyperaccumulator (Sedum alfredii Hance) plants. The X-ray diffraction pattern and energy dispersive spectroscopy spectrum clearly show that the synthesised ZnO nanoparticles have pure hexagonal wurtzite structure. In addition, the transmission electron microscopy image demonstrates that the ZnO nanoparticles are agglomerated, and single ZnO nanoparticles is pseudo-spherical in shape with a mean size of 53.7 nm. These findings not only inspire the search for a new strategy for synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles from renewable natural products, but also break through the traditional and limited ideas about the recycling of metals in plant sources.