Precursor Chemistry and Antimicrobial Performance: A Green Synthesis Approach to the Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

Abstract

The increasing emphasis on sustainable nanotechnology has propelled the development of green synthesis methodologies for nanoparticle production. This study investigates the impact of precursor chemistry on the nucleation and growth of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) synthesized via a green route utilizing Ocimum gratissimum leaf extracts. We examined three zinc precursors—zinc nitrate, zinc sulphate, and zinc acetate—to elucidate their influence on the physicochemical properties of the resulting ZnO NPs vis-vis their antimicrobial properties. The nanoparticles were treated to characterization approach, including structural, morphological, optical, and surface analyses, and a direct correlation between precursor selection and nanoparticle attributes was established. The findings demonstrate that precursor solubility and the nature of the anionic species significantly affect zinc ion availability, nucleation kinetics, and nanoparticle morphology. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of controlled green synthesis, enabling the tailored production of ZnO NPs for various applications.