Structural characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Moringa oleifera leaf extract

Abstract

This study reports the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using Moringa oleifera leaf extract as a bioreducing and stabilizing agent. The biosynthesis process was carried out by mixing a 0.8 M Zinc Acetate Dihydrate solution with the leaf extract, adjusting the pH to 10 using NaOH, followed by calcination at 450 °C. The morphological and structural properties of the synthesized nanoparticles were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). SEM images revealed irregularly shaped aggregates with high particle density and a rough, porous surface, indicating potential applications in photocatalysis and microwave absorption. XRD analysis confirmed a polycrystalline hexagonal wurtzite structure with crystallite sizes ranging from 15.80 nm to 32.05 nm. The results demonstrate that the green synthesis method using Moringa oleifera extract is an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach for producing ZnO nanoparticles with desirable structural characteristics.