Self-assembly of ZnO nanoflowers synthesized by a green approach with enhanced catalytic, and antibacterial properties

In the present work, ZnO nanostructures with flower morphology were synthesized and self-assembled by a green approach using an Aloysia triphylla leaves extract. The extract acted as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Moreover, the Aloysia triphylla extract showed the ability to order the nanostructures and form a flower-like arrangement. The formation of ZnO was determined by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The crystalline nature of the nanoflowers after the calcination process was corroborated by X-ray diffraction, showing a single phase with a hexagonal structure. The size and morphology were observed by scanning electron microscopy; the results showed the influence of the extract volume on the ZnO morphology, obtaining a well-defined flower-like morphology with 2 mL of extract. The size range of the nanoflowers was 200 and 400 nm. The catalytic properties of ZnO nanoflowers were evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue. The rate and percentage of degradation depended on the concentration of ZnO. The best result was obtained using a concentration of 100 mg/mL, achieving the total degradation of the organic dye in 4 min. On the other hand, ZnO nanoflowers demonstrated predominant antibacterial activity (AA) against S. aureus compared with P. aeruginosa due to the combined differential loads between nanoflowers (positive) and bacteria (negative).

Automated summary

In this study, flower-like ZnO nanostructures were synthesized using an Aloysia triphylla leaves extract, which also demonstrated catalytic and antibacterial properties.