Green synthesis of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles by Punica granatum peel extract

Abstract

Copper-based nanomaterials can be used in conductive films, nanofluids, catalysis, gas sensors, magnetic storage media, batteries and semiconductors and also as persuasive antimicrobial agents. The metal oxide is very much important materials because they can be used as antifungal, antioxidant, antibacterial, catalysts and in various electronic and photonic devices. The cost-effective, environment-friendly, convenient and less time-consuming biological approach is the most developing method than the other approach. Here, we report less toxic, inexpensive synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) by an ingenious highly efficient sol–gel method by Punica granatum peel extract. The green synthesis had been achieved by using an aqueous solution of Punica granatum peel extract and copper acetate monohydrate. A certain ratio of peel extracts for the metal ion was prepared and a color change was observed which proves the formation of nanoparticles. This was quantified by various characterization techniques namely X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The XRD graph showed the crystalline and monoclinic phase of CuO nanoparticles. The average crystalline size around 35.80 nm was observed by the Debye–Scherrer formula. Furthermore, the fabricated CuO NPs were also examined for antibacterial activity by the disk diffusion method. The CuO NPs showed excellent antibacterial activity toward pathogenic bacterial strain Escherichia coli (E. coli) by the measurement of inhibition zones around each well.