Copper oxide nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial activities and catalytic reduction of methylene blue

Abstract

In recent years, metal nanoparticles have been applied in many areas due to their attractive properties. Copper oxide nanoparticles, in particular, have drawn much attention owing to their electrical, catalytic, optical, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. In this study, copper oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using Onosma Sericeum Willd (Boraginaceae) extract with a simple, economical, and eco-friendly method for the first time. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The particle size distribution and zeta potential measurements of the copper oxide nanoparticles were measured with the dynamic light scattering technique. It was determined that the copper oxide nanoparticles with a particle size of less than 100 nm showed a catalytic effect in the reduction of methylene blue (MB). At room temperature, up to 90% MB dye degradation was achieved. Also, the antimicrobial properties of the copper oxide nanoparticles were investigated in this study. The results of the study showed that synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles could be used as a promising agent in nanotechnology applications.