Biosynthesis of ZnO nano particles assisted by Euphorbia tirucalli (Pencil Cactus)

Abstract

Green chemistry approach towards the synthesis of nanoparticles is in the lime light of modern nanotechnology due to growing concern to develop environment-friendly and sustainable methods. In this scenario, the focus is on development of new materials and methods for biosynthesis of nanoparticles. In the present study the ZnO nanoparticles are synthesized by biological reducing agent using Zinc Nitrate as precursor. Branches (stems) of Euphorbia tirucalli provide capping and reducing agents for the synthesis of Zno nano particles. The particle size, topography, and morphology of the synthesized ZnO product was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The XRD peaks coincide with literature XRD pattern for hexagonal wurtzite ZnO. The zinc oxide particles obtained are spherical in nature and were agglomerates of nanocrystallites. The average size of synthesized ZnO nanocrystallites as calculated using Scherrer’s Formula is 20 nm.