Facile One-pot Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle by Using Lemon Peel and Characterization Studies

Abstract

This study focuses on the synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles using lemon peel as a green and sustainable precursor. ZnO is a metal oxide semiconductor known for its broad direct bandgap and photocatalytic properties. Lemon peel, a waste product rich in natural compounds, is utilized as a reducing and stabilizing agent during the synthesis process. The sol-gel method is employed to extract the active ingredients from lemon peel and combine them with a zinc salt solution. The resulting mixture undergoes controlled thermal treatment to produce ZnO nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles are characterized using techniques such as field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-Vis spectroscopy to analyze their morphology, structure, and optical properties. The results demonstrate the viability of using lemon peel as a sustainable and low-cost precursor to produce ZnO nanoparticles. The environmentally friendly synthesis method offers potential applications in catalysis, optoelectronics, energy conversion, and biomedicine. The findings highlight the benefits of utilizing natural waste products in nanoparticle synthesis, promoting a more eco-friendly and efficient approach to material production.