Synthesis of Core/Shell (ZnO/Ag) Nanoparticles Using Calotropis gigantea and Their Applications in Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Studies

In this study, we have synthesized core/shell ZnO/Ag nanoparticles (NPs) via solution combustion method using Calotropis gigantea leaves extract as fuel and zinc nitrate hexahydrate Zn(NO)(3)center dot 6H(2)O and silver nitrate AgNO3 as precursor. The prepared NPs were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). The optical energy band gap was studied using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and it is found to be 3.38 eV. ZnO/Ag NPs used as photocatalyst for degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye. Antibacterial activity for human pathogens (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) studies through Agar well diffusion method.