Citrulline rich structurally stable zinc oxide nanostructures for superior photo catalytic and optoelectronic applications: A green synthesis approach

Abstract

We report a simple and nontoxic route for the synthesis of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoflowers using commonly available water melon rind as a reducing agent. The structural properties of the synthesized samples were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrum (FTIR) techniques. The morphology of the synthesized material has been studied using field effect scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) technique. The XRD and results proved wurtzite structure of ZnO nanostructures. Notably, Field emission electron microscopy (FESEM) results confirmed the formation of ZnO nanorods, which assembled to form flower like structures. Further, Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis confirmed the presence of the elemental signals of Zn and O. Optical characterization of the synthesized nanoflowers were carried out using UV–Vis spectroscopy. The synthesized nanoflowers exhibited excellent photocatalytic activities for the degradation of organic dye methylene blue (MeB). The photocatalytic efficiency of the sample remains almost the same up-to three cycles. In addition, by performing the optoelectronic studies in the ultraviolet region, the corresponding current–voltage (I–V) characteristics shows the samples have potential for photosensitive device. Therefore, considering the environment friendly and green approach for the synthesis of ZnO nanoflowers, the present investigation can be effectively used for various environmental and optoelectronic applications.