Green synthesis
of Nickel-doped zinc oxide using Pineapple (Ananas comosus) leaf extract and Evaluation
of their antimicrobial activity
Srivastava Pankaj, Sharma Osheen and Pawar Vatsala
Res. J. Chem. Environ.; Vol. 29(1); 1-7;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/291rjce0107; (2025)
Abstract
This study explores green synthesis as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective
method employing selective plant extracts as catalysts for nanoparticle formation.
Ananas comosus, a tropical plant rich in essential nutrients and known for its non-toxic,
antioxidant and potentially anticancer properties, was utilized for the synthesis
of zinc oxide and nickel-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles. Characterization techniques
including UV-Vis spectrometry, X-Ray diffraction and Scanning electron microscopy
were employed to analyze the optical, structural and morphological properties of
the nanoparticles.
Results showed a reduction in the optical band gap of Ni-ZnO compared to pure ZnO,
possibly due to absorption of photons by nickel dopant ions in the ZnO lattice.
XRD analysis revealed a hexagonal Wurtzite structure with predominant diffraction
peaks in the (1 0 1) plane and SEM-EDX confirmed the purity and irregular nanosized
shapes (ranging from 21 to 60 nm) of the nanoparticles. Antimicrobial testing using
the agar well diffusion method demonstrated promising antimicrobial activity, suggesting
potential applications of these nanoparticles as antimicrobial agents in pharmaceutical
industries. Overall, this study underscores the feasibility and potential benefits
of utilizing Ananas comosus leaf extracts in green synthesis for nanoparticle production
with valuable properties for various industrial and medical applications.
