Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
06:42
Preparation of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and the Evaluation of their Antibacterial Effects
Published on: September 27, 2024
ZnO Nanoparticles: A Comprehensive Review of Green Synthesis, Characterization, and Multifaceted Applications
Sakshi1, Aaditya1, Ghaida H Munshi2
1Department of Chemistry, Ramjas College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India.
Chemistry, an Asian Journal
|July 21, 2026
Summary
Green synthesis methods for zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles offer comparable photocatalytic and antimicrobial performance to conventional routes. Addressing reproducibility and biosafety is key for industrial application of these eco-friendly ZnO nanoparticles.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Green Chemistry
Background:
- Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles are versatile metal oxides with applications in catalysis, medicine, and agriculture.
- Existing reviews often lack detailed comparisons of synthesis methods and their impact on ZnO nanoparticle performance.
- A comprehensive analysis linking synthesis parameters to ZnO nanoparticle properties and applications is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically compare physical, chemical, and biological (green) synthesis routes for ZnO nanoparticles.
- To analyze how synthesis parameters influence ZnO nanoparticle characteristics like size, defects, and bandgap.
- To establish structure-property-activity relationships for various ZnO nanoparticle applications and propose a roadmap for industrial viability.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of physical, chemical, and biological ZnO nanoparticle synthesis.
- Parameter-by-parameter investigation of precursor, pH, temperature, and calcination effects.
- Correlation of ZnO nanoparticle morphology, defect chemistry, and ion release with performance in photocatalysis, antimicrobial, anticancer, drug delivery, and agriculture.
Main Results:
- Green synthesis (plant/microbe-mediated) yields wurtzite ZnO nanoparticles (5-50 nm) with high photocatalytic (80-99% dye degradation) and antimicrobial efficacy.
- Performance of green-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles matches or exceeds chemically synthesized counterparts.
- Key factors influencing performance include crystallite size, defect chemistry, surface charge, and Zn2+ release kinetics.
Conclusions:
- Green synthesis is a viable and effective approach for producing high-performance ZnO nanoparticles.
- Reproducibility, scalability, regulation, and toxicity assessment are crucial for the industrial adoption of ZnO nanoparticles.
- ZnO nanoparticle "non-toxicity" is highly dependent on dose, particle size, and exposure conditions.