Tapioca starch: An efficient fuel in gel-combustion synthesis of photocatalytically and anti-microbially active ZnO nanoparticles

Journal Article · Thu Jan 15 00:00:00 EST 2015 · Materials Characterization

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.MATCHAR.2014.11.017· OSTI ID:22476024

Ramasami, Alamelu K. ^[1]; Raja Naika, H. ^[2]; Nagabhushana, H. ^[3]; Ramakrishnappa, T.; Balakrishna, Geetha R. ^[1]

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1. Centre for Nano and Material Sciences, Jain University, Jakkasandra, Kanakapura (T) (India)
2. Dept. of Biotechnology, University College of Science, Tumkur University, Tumkur (India)
3. CNR Rao Centre for Advanced Materials, Tumkur University, Tumkur (India)

Zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by gel-combustion method using novel bio-fuel tapioca starch pearls, derived from the tubers of Manihotesculenta. The product is characterized using various techniques. The X-ray diffraction pattern correspond to a hexagonal zincite structure. Fourier transform infrared spectrum showed main absorption peaks at 394 and 508 cm{sup −} {sup 1} due to stretching vibration of Zn–O. Ultravoilet–visible spectrum of zinc oxide nanoparticles showed absorption maximum at 373 nm whereas the maximum of the bulk zinc oxide was 377 nm. The morphology of the product was studied using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The scanning electron microscopic images showed that the products are agglomerated and porous in nature. The transmission electron microscopic images revealed spherical particles of 40–50 nm in diameter. The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue was examined using zinc oxide nanoparticles and found more efficient in sunlight than ultra-violet light due to reduced band gap. The antibacterial properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles were investigated against four bacterial strains Klebsiella aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aereus, where Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aereus exhibited significant antibacterial activity in agar well diffusion method when compared to positive control. - Highlights: • ZnO nanoparticles have been prepared from a new bio-fuel, tapioca starch by gel combustion method. • XRD pattern revealed hexagonal zincite crystal structure with crystallite size 33 nm. • ZnO nanoparticles exhibited a band gap of 2.70 eV. • The ZnO nanoparticles exhibited superior degradation in sunlight in comparison with UV light. • The product showed a good anti-bacterial activity against two bacterial strains.

• OSTI ID: 22476024
• Journal Information: Materials Characterization, Vol. 99; Other Information: Copyright (c) 2014 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved.; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1044-5803
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
ABSORPTION
AGAR
CRYSTAL STRUCTURE
DIFFUSION
ESCHERICHIA COLI
FOURIER TRANSFORMATION
INFRARED SPECTRA
KLEBSIELLA
NANOPARTICLES
PHOTOCATALYSIS
POROUS MATERIALS
PSEUDOMONAS
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
STAPHYLOCOCCUS
SYNTHESIS
TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION
X-RAY DIFFRACTION
ZINC OXIDES