Preparation of ZnO nanoparticles in n-hexane-water system using Moringa oliefera leaf extract and its photodegradation activity

Abstract

In this study, ZnO nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using Moringa oliefera leaf extract in two phases system of n-hexane-water. The presence of secondary metabolites in n-hexane acts as a weak base source and precursor of Zn(NO3)2, in water were needed for the formation of ZnO nanoparticles. ZnO nanoparticles were further characterized using UV-Vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy(DRS), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-Ray (SEM-EDX), and Tunneling Electron Microscopy (TEM). Based on TEM characterization, the particles size of ZnO nanoparticles was approximately 67 nm. The band gap energy of ZnO was 3.2 eV. The photocatalytic activities of ZnO nanoparticles were observed through the methylene blue (MB) degradation under UV-light irradiation. The percentage of MB degradation was 99 % for 2 h.