Morphology Of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Research Articles

Biosynthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles using Cleome gynandra Extract and Evaluation of its Cytotoxic Activities on A549 Cell Line

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were green synthesised by a simple, rapid, eco-friendly and a cheaper method using Cleome gynandra plant extract. The ZnONPs were characterized using UV- Visible Spectroscopy, FT-IR, XRD, FE-SEM and EDX analysis. The formation of ZnONPs (355 nm) was confirmed by UV visible spectroscopy. The crystalline nature of the nanoparticles was studied by XRD. The presence of different functional groups in the biomolecules was evident from FT-IR spectrum. The morphology of ZnONPs was analysed using SEM and the presence of zinc oxide was confirmed through elemental analysis. They were also analyzed for their biological and antioxidant activities. The green synthesized ZnONPs exhibited a good antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Furthermore, they exhibited appreciable anticancer activity on the lung (A549) cancer cell lines.

Synthesis and Characterization of ZnO Nanoparticles and Their Application on Cotton Fabrics to Obtain Superhydrophobic Surfaces

Zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized in a wet chemical manner at two different reaction temperatures 30, 90 ̊C utilizing zinc chloride as precursors in an aqueous medium. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray analysis (XRD), and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). X-ray patterns pointed to a Wurtzite structure with an average crystalline size of 19.5 nm and 23 nm for the ZnO NPs synthesis at 30 ̊C and 90 ̊C, respectively. SEM showed that with increasing temperature, the morphology of Zinc oxide nanoparticles changed from nanowire to spherical structures. To fabricate super hydrophobic cotton fabric, the fabric was immersed in a colloidal solution of ZnO NPs with a concentration of 1% and then modified later with stearic acid. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and contact angle (CA) test. The SEM results showed that the ZnO NPs synthesis at 90 ̊C created a rough structure on the cotton surface better than that of ZnO synthesis at 30 ̊C. The CA test showed super hydrophobic properties for ZnO@90˚C samples, while ZnO@30˚C samples showed hydrophobic properties only after modified stearic acid. Different stearic acid concentrations were used for the hydrophobization of the ZnO surface. (CA) results revealed that the fabric treated with ZnO NPs prepared at 90°C and modified with 1% by weight of stearic acid showed a superhydrophobic surface at a contact angle (CA = 154°).

Green Synthesis, Characterization, and Photocatalytic Activity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Photodegradation of Naphthol Blue Black Dye

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized using water extract of red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) stem with zinc acetate dihydrate as a precursor of ZnO. Chemical compounds contained in the red dragon fruit stem extract, such as phenolics, terpenoids, and steroids, acted as reducing agents, stabilizers, and capping agents. The phase structure, crystallite size, functional groups, shape, and morphology of ZnO nanoparticles were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX). The XRD pattern confirmed the crystallinity of synthesized zinc oxide was in the zincite (ZnO) phase with an average crystallite size of 79.09 nm. Spectroscopy FTIR analysis showed that the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles had characteristics similar to the ZnO standard/commercial. SEM-EDX analysis revealed that the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles were spherical, evenly distributed, and homogeneous particle size. The photocatalytic activity of synthesized ZnO nanoparticles was evaluated on the photodegradation of naphthol blue black (NBB) dye. The results showed that the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles have high photocatalytic activity that can degrade NBB dye up to 98.82%. This high photocatalytic activity was obtained at operating parameter conditions with the initial pH of NBB at 2, the dosage of ZnO nanoparticles at 250 mg, and the initial dye concentration at 10 ppm.

Surface structural engineering of carbonyl iron powder for enhancing microwave absorption and anti-oxidation performance

Surface structural engineering is desirable in modifying the surface performance of carbonyl iron powder (CIP) to enhance microwave absorption (MA) and anti-oxidation performance. Herein, the surface shape-dependent CIP absorbers are designed via surface coating with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles and then a thermal annealing treatment. The morphology of ZnO nanoparticles which can be easily regulated by controlling the annealing temperature ultimately affects the MA performance of CIP coating with ZnO nanoparticles (CIP@ZnO). The core-shell CIP@ZnO particles with cubic cone ZnO nanoparticles exhibit excellent MA performance and thermal stability in comparison to the original CIP. Specifically, the CIP@ZnO annealed at 350 °C (CIP@ZnO-350) samples which have the cubic cone ZnO nanoparticles exhibit a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of –55.35 dB at a thickness of 2.1 mm and a maximum effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 7.09 GHz at a thickness of 2.0 mm. In addition, the antioxidant property of the CIP@ZnO composite particles is abruptly enhanced, which breaks the restriction of the application of CIP at high temperatures. The superior MA performance of CIP@ZnO particles with cubic cone ZnO nanoparticles comes from the enhancement in surface shape-dependent multiple microwave scattering, interfacial polarization, and electromagnetic-dielectric synergism between ZnO and CIP.

Mathematical Modelling and Statistical Approach in Tannery Wastewater Treatment.

The present work investigated the feasibility of photo oxidation process for removal of oil and chemical oxygen demand (COD) in Indian tannery wastewater with a support of mathematical modelling and statistical approach. The influence of process variables such as nano-catalyst dose and reaction time was analysed on removal of oil/grease and COD. The obtained results are discussed using response surface methodology (RSM) design in detail. Zinc oxide nanoparticles prepared from Eclipta Prostrata plant leaves and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal of 93.6% and oil & grease removal of 90 % in 35 minutes using 3mg/L nanoparticle dosage were recommended as an optimum condition in photo oxidation process.

Effect of La3+ and Ce3+ dopant ions on structural, optical, magnetic, and antibacterial activity of ZnO nanoparticles

In the present study, pure and co-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (Zn 1−2 x La x Ce x O) with atomic percentages x = 0, 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 at% were synthesized via the chemical co-precipitation method. The impact of lanthanum and cerium dopant ions (La 3+ and Ce 3+ ions, respectively) on the structural, morphological, optical, magnetic, and antibacterial activity of the ZnO nanoparticles was investigated. X-ray diffraction patterns reveal the wurtzite hexagonal crystal structure of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) with the formation of two secondary phases (CeO 2 and La 2 O 3 ) when x =1.5 and 2.5 at% or higher, respectively. La 3+ and Ce 3+ ions show a high impact on the morphology of ZnO NPs, as revealed by transmission electron microscopy analysis. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results indicate that La 3+ and Ce 3+ ions induce a red shift in the zinc–oxygen (Zn–O) vibrational mode. The incorporation of La 3+ and Ce 3+ ions into the ZnO matrix showed a remarkable impact on the ZnO NP optical properties. At room temperature, the M–H magnetic hysteresis of the synthesized samples reveal a combination of both diamagnetic and ferromagnetic contributions. The antibacterial properties of the synthesized NPs were also evaluated against six bacterial strains using the agar well diffusion method. The synthesized NPs suppressed the growth of the investigated bacteria with various degrees of toxicity.

Effect of calcination temperature on the structure and morphology of zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized by base-catalyzed aqueous sol-gel process

This study reports the base-catalyzed aqueous sol-gel synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles. The solution was primarily comprised of zinc nitrate hexahydrate as a metal precursor, isopropyl alcohol and water as solvents, and glycerin as a stabilizing agent. The effect of calcination temperature on the structure and morphology of the prepared nanoparticles was investigated by varying the calcination temperature from 500 to 900 °C. The X-ray diffraction analysis, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and field emission scanning electron microscopy were employed to determine the crystal structure, surface functional groups, thermal stability, and surface morphology of the nanoparticles. The particle size was found to be directly proportional to the calcination temperature.

Physical characterization and antibacterial activity of zinc oxide nanostructures synthesized via facile hydrothermal method

Infections caused by multi drug-resistant pathogens are emerging as a major threat to public health. New antibiotics with improved antimicrobial characteristics are being developed to combat the ever increasing treatment-resistant infections in the existing healthcare settings. Metal oxide nanoparticles are a promising class of antimicrobial alternatives owing to their ability to kill microbes by mechanism such as surface-charge based attraction, destabilization of microbial cell functions and initiation of killing of microbes by production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Amongst the metal oxides, zinc oxide (ZnO) is one of the promising material for biomedical applications due to the added benefits such as non-toxicity, biocompatibility, chemical stability and biodegradability. Micro and nano-sized ZnO exhibiting diverse morphologies show significant antibacterial activity against a wide spectrum of pathogenic bacteria. The morphology of ZnO nanoparticles play an important role in its antibacterial activity and it can be controlled by the choice of synthesizing method and controlling of reaction parameters such as concentration of precursors, choice of additives, pH and temperature conditions and time of reaction period. The present work is an attempt to investigate the influence of reaction time and addition method of the precipitator on the morphology of ZnO nanoparticles synthesized by hydrothermal method. The structure of ZnO nanoparticles synthesized using different reaction parameters were characterized by X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR). The morphology of ZnO nanostructures were analyzed using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) and the elemental composition analysis was carried out by Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDAX) Analyzer. Further, investigation of antibacterial activity of synthesized ZnO against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli bacteria was carried out by disk diffusion method. The results confirmed the influence of surface morphology on bactericidal efficiency of ZnO nanostructures.

Study on the Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles Using Azadirachta indica Extracts for the Fabrication of a Gas Sensor.

This paper compared the effects of A. indica plant proteins over chemical methods in the morphology of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) prepared by a co-precipitation method, and ethanol sensing performance of prepared thin films deposited over a fluorene-doped tin oxide (FTO) bind glass substrate using spray pyrolysis technique. The average crystallite sizes and diameters of the grain-sized cluster ZnO NPs were 25 and (701.79 ± 176.21) nm for an undoped sample and 20 and (489.99 ± 112.96) nm for A. india dye-doped sample. The fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed the formation of the Zn–O bond at 450 cm−1, and also showed the presence of plant proteins due to A. indica dye extracts. ZnO NPs films exhibited good response (up to 51 and 72% for without and with A. indica dye-doped extracts, respectively) toward ethanol vapors with quick response-recovery characteristics at a temperature of 250 °C for undoped and 225 °C for A. indica dye-doped ZnO thin films. The interaction of A. indica dye extracts helps to decrease the operating temperature and increased the response and recovery rates of the sensor, which may be due to an increase in the specific surface area, resulting in adsorption of more oxygen and hence high response results.

Synthesis and characterization of mesoporous zinc oxide nanoparticles

In this investigation, highly crystalline and mesoporous Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles with the large surface area were synthesized without calcination. Furthermore, the effects of different pH values on structural, physicochemical and textural properties of ZnO nanoparticles were comprehensively investigated. Rietveld refinement implied that the pH variation had significant effects on the crystal structure of ZnO nanoparticles. The phase, molecular and elemental structures confirmed the formation of ZnO as a major phase in all nanopowders. The morphology of ZnO nanoparticles was irregular with an average size of 45 ± 9 nm. Both phase and atomic structures confirmed the polycrystalline arrangement of ZnO nanoparticles. Moreover, isotherms confirmed the mesoporous structure of all ZnO nanoparticles with superior specific surface area and porosity volume. Thus, owing to the concoction of high crystallinity, superior surface area and porosity volume, resultant ZnO nanoparticles can be effectively employed for diverse multifunctional therapeutic applications.

Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Ixora Coccinea Leaf Extract for Ethanol Vapour Sensing

This article reports the effects of natural plant proteins on the morphology of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) prepared via a precipitation method. Green synthesised ZnONPs have a wide range of uses such as biomedical applications, water purification, optical devices and gas sensors. The non-toxic and economical technique described in this article is favourable for large-scale production too. ZnONPs were produced from a zinc acetate precursor with dye extract of Ixora Coccinea (IC) leaves as a capping agent. The as-prepared ZnONPs were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV-visible (UV-vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques. The XRD analysis showed an average crystallite size of 23 nm. The SEM analysis revealed a reduction in aggregation of ZnO crystallites due to addition of dye extracts of IC. EDX and UV-vis results confirmed the formation of pure ZnONPs. Finally, the gas sensing properties of ZnO films, prepared by doctor blade method, were used to detect ethanol vapour. The results showed gas response ratios of 28.7 and 5.4 at 800 ppm and 40 ppm exposure, respectively. Furthermore, the response time and recovery time were found to be 24 sec and 47 sec, respectively at 200 ppm exposure of ethanol vapour.

Influence of n-ZnO Morphology on Sulfur Crosslinking and Properties of Styrene-Butadiene Rubber Vulcanizates.

This paper examines the influence of the morphology of zinc oxide nanoparticles (n-ZnO) on the activation energy, vulcanization parameters, crosslink density, crosslink structure, and mechanical properties in the extension of the sulfur vulcanizates of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). Scanning electron microscopy was used to determine the particle size distribution and morphology, whereas the specific surface area (SSA) and squalene wettability of the n-ZnO nanoparticles were adequately evaluated using the Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET) equation and tensiometry. The n-ZnO were then added to the SBR in conventional (CV) or efficient (EV) vulcanization systems. The vulcametric curves were plotted, from which the cure rate index (CRI) rate of the vulcanization and the activation energy were calculated. The influence on the mechanical properties of the SBR vulcanizates was stronger in the case of the EV curing system than when the CV curing system was used. Of the vulcanizates produced in the EV curing system, the best performance was detected for n-ZnO particles with a hybrid morphology (flat-ended rod-like particles on a “cauliflower” base) and high SSA. Vulcanizates produced using the CV curing system showed slightly better mechanical properties after the addition of nanoparticles with a “cauliflower” morphology than when the rod-like type were used, irrespective of their SSA. In general, nanoparticles with a rod-like structure reduced the activation energy and increased the speed of vulcanization, whereas the cauliflower type slowed the rate of the process and the vulcanizates required a higher activation energy, especially when using the EV system. The crosslink structures were also more clearly modified, as manifested by a reduction in the polysulfidic crosslink content, especially when n-ZnO activators with a rod-like morphology were applied.

Biosynthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Aqueous Piper betle Leaf Extract and Its Application in Surgical Sutures

Surgical site infection (SSI), mainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli), is considered the most frequent complication in a surgical patient. Globally, surgical site infection accounts for 2.5%-41.9% and even higher rates in developing countries. SSI affects not only the patient’s health but also the development of society. Like previous reports, a surgical suture increases the hazard of SSI due to its structure. The antibacterial suture is the most effective solution to decrease the SSI. Due to some unique properties, nano-zinc oxide (ZnO NPs) is one of the promising antibacterial agents for coating on the suture. In this study, we aim to synthesize the ZnO NPs using Piper betle leaf extract and used it to coat the suture. The effect of synthesis parameters on the size and morphology of ZnO NPs was studied as well. The UV-Vis spectrum indicated the formation of ZnO NPs with λ max at around 370 nm. The volume of leaf extract plays a role in controlling the size and morphology of zinc oxide nanoparticles. The average particle size of as-synthesized ZnO NPs was around 112 nm with a hexagonal and spherical shape. Other than that, the results proved that ZnO NPs performed a high antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli with its antibacterial effectiveness up to 5 days. The ZnO NP-coated sutures also exhibited a high performance on bacterial inactivation. With key findings, this study made a tremendous contribution to lowering the burden on medical services in terms of medical treatment cost in developing countries.

Effect of synthetic route on morphology of zinc oxide and cadmium doped zinc oxide nanomaterials

In the current research, zinc oxide (ZnO) and cadmium doped ZnO nanoparticles (Cd-ZnO) were synthesized by hydrothermal and ultrasonication method utilising CTAB (cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide), a cationic surfactant. The morphology and nature of crystal lattice of synthesized ZnO and Cd-ZnO nanoparticles were screened by SEM and XRD analysis. Effect of method of synthesis and dopant on the surface morphology of ZnO nanoparticles was studied. SEM studies showed the formation of ZnO nanorods (∼30–57 nm) through hydrothermal method, and nanograins (∼37–53 nm) via ultrasonication. For Cd-ZnO a vast difference was observed in the surface topography. Among the two mentioned methods Cd-ZnO nanoflakes were obtained by ultrasonication (∼100 nm) whereas hydrothermally derived Cd-ZnO was resulted as agglomerated nanorods of about 50 to 100 nm. XRD analysis also supported the results. Hence, it was shown that both the mode of synthesis has a significant effect and process of doping has a remarkable effect on the surface morphology of the ZnO nanoparticles.

Influence of nitrogen incorporation on the photocatalytic property of ZnO nanoparticles

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles are deliberated as exceptional photocatalyst for organic pollutants degradation. However, their inefficacy under visible light poses a problem for industrial application. Thus, in this work, a route for the synthesis of nitrogen incorporated ZnO nanocomposites was proposed with urea as the nitrogen source. From XRD spectra, the complete incorporation of nitrogen into ZnO lattice was observed. The morphological study was performed using FESEM technique which revealed a major change in the morphology of ZnO nanoparticles after nitrogen incorporation from plate-like to flower-like structures, respectively. Existence of nitrogen in the sample was confirmed through EDX studies which revealed the occurrence of 1.1% nitrogen in the sample. Nitrogen incorporated ZnO nanocomposites exhibited better photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye (78%) than ZnO NP (48%) in aqueous medium under visible light illumination within 30 min.

Rational Design of Ag/ZnO Hybrid Nanoparticles on Sericin/Agarose Composite Film for Enhanced Antimicrobial Applications.

Silver-based hybrid nanomaterials are receiving increasing attention as potential alternatives for traditional antimicrobial agents. Here, we proposed a simple and eco-friendly strategy to efficiently assemble zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on sericin-agarose composite film to impart superior antimicrobial activity. Based on a layer-by-layer self-assembly strategy, AgNPs and ZnO were immobilized on sericin-agarose films using the adhesion property of polydopamine. Scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray powder diffraction spectroscopy were used to show the morphology of AgNPs and ZnO on the surface of the composite film and analyze the composition and structure of AgNPs and ZnO, respectively. Water contact angle, swelling ratio, and mechanical property were determined to characterize the hydrophilicity, water absorption ability, and mechanical properties of the composite films. In addition, the antibacterial activity of the composite film was evaluated against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The results showed that the composite film not only has desirable hydrophilicity, high water absorption ability, and favorable mechanical properties but also exhibits excellent antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It has shown great potential as a novel antimicrobial biomaterial for wound dressing, artificial skin, and tissue engineering.

Synthesis and properties of composite materials based on zinc oxide nanoparticles in an insulating matrix

A composite material based on zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized by the chemical hydrothermal method and a polymer insulated matrix of sodium silicate was obtained. Free zinc oxide nanoparticles were formed by heating an equimolar solution of zinc nitrate and hexamethylenetetramine with different pH values (3–5). Nanoparticles were introduced into an aqueous sodium silicate solution and applied on a silicon substrate by centrifugation. Using scanning electron microscopy, we studied the structure and morphology of zinc oxide nanoparticles on a silicon substrate in unbound state and after their introduction into the sodium silicate matrix. It was found that the obtained particles have a hexagonal crystal lattice and a bimodal size distribution. After introduction in the matrix of sodium silicate, only smaller zinc oxide nanoparticles with an average diameter of 45 nm remain in it. Studying of the photoluminesclence spectra of a composite material, including zinc oxide nanoparticles obtained at different pH values of the initial solution, showed the presence of exciton and defectrelated photoluminescence bands with intensity’s maximums located at 383 and 590 nm, respectively. Zinc oxide nanoparticles in the stabilizing matrix of sodium silicate exhibit a higher relative intensity of exciton photoluminescence than unbound particles. The highest value of the relative intensity of exciton photoluminescence was achieved for a composite material including zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized at pH=3,35 of the initial solution. The resulting composite materials can be used in optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices, and as an optical medium of non-cavity lasers.

A facile green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles and its adsorptive removal of Congo red dye from aqueous solution

In this present article, zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthesized by a greener approach using Acacia concinna fruit extract via sol–gel technique. These biosynthesized ZnO NPs were characterized by XRD, SEM, FTIR, BET and HRTEM techniques. The XRD pattern revealed the samples are crystalline and having hexagonal ZnO phase with wurzite type structure. The morphology of zinc oxide nanoparticles were analysed by SEM, which suggested that the particles are in agglomerated form and porous in nature. The adsorption of Congo red dye by using these ZnO NPs was investigated extensively. The kinetics, thermodynamics and adsorption isotherm data were obtained from the batch experiment analysis of the Congo red dye, where the efficiency of adsorption of the sample was found to be ∼ 92%. The kinetics data analysis, indicated the adsorption process to be of pseudo-second order type. The Freundlich isotherm was found to be best fitted with R2 = 0.998, signifying a multilayer adsorption. Thermodynamic parameters, ΔH0 and ΔS0 were calculated. The negative value of ΔH0 (−5.644 kJ/mol) corresponded to an exothermic adsorption process and the positive value of ΔS0 (0.0108 J mol−1 K−1) signified the increased randomness at the interface of the adsorbate and the adsorbent.

Salvadora persica root extract-mediated fabrication of ZnO nanoparticles and characterization

Biocompatibility of nanoparticles (NPs) uses the plant extract as a reducing agent for synthesis and are cost-effective. The existing research focused on fabrication of zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs using Salvadora persica L. root extract as a reducing agent and noticed that varying the extraction solvent varies the morphology of ZnO NPs. The existence of alkaloids, acids, volatiles, and essential oils in root extract helps in ZnO NPs fabrications from its precursor zinc acetate dihydrate. The calcined resultant nanopowders are then characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, and SEM. SEM analysis showed the ZnO NPs have hexagonal wurtzite structure in aqueous dispersion medium while nanorods formed in methanol. The synthesized ZnO NPs crystallite size found 24–25 nm. Besides the function of oral hygiene and various properties of Miswak, it can be employed for the ZnO NPs synthesis. These ZnO NPs with different morphology can be used in medical applications, biosensors, photochemical, and electrical applications.

Photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine dyes using zinc oxide nanoparticles

This paper presents the synthesis of nanocrystalline zinc oxide (ZnO) particles via the sol-gel method using zinc acetate as precursor. The calcination temperature of the ZnO was varied to determine its effect on particle size. The resultant samples were characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), UltraViolet–visible Spectroscopy (UV–Vis) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Nanocrystalline wurtzite ZnO particles were produced with crystallite size ranging from ∼16 nm to ∼30 nm. Energy Band gap of the synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles decreased with increasing calcination temperature and crystallite size. SEM Micrographs showed rice-like microstructure morphology of ZnO nanoparticles. The usage of the ZnO nanoparticles as a photocatalyst was also explored in the degradation of Rhodamine B dye using UV – light with particular attention to the effect of particle size and catalyst load on the degradation efficiency of the dyes. The nanoparticles calcined at 400 °C with crystallite size of 16 nm resulted in the highest degradation efficiency of ∼95.41% when 0.2 g catalyst loading was applied.