Investigating the Influence of Precursor Concentration on the Photodegradation of Methylene Blue using Biosynthesized ZnO from Pometia pinnata Leaf Extracts

Abstract

The ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized at various precursor concentrations i.e. 0.05, 0.1, and 0.5 M by biosynthesis method based on Pometia pinnata Leaf Extracts. Initial nanoparticle concentration influenced the optical bandgap, shape, and structure of nanoparticles. The photodegradation process was carried out under UV illumination. The efficiency of MB degradation was determined by measuring the decrease in MB concentration and by analyzing the optical absorption at 663 nm recorded by UV-Vis spectroscopy. Results showed that the biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles exhibited efficient photodegradation of MB, with a maximum degradation rate of 80% after 90 minutes of exposure to UV-C light. The study highlights the potential of Pometia pinnata leaf extracts as a low-cost and eco-friendly alternative for synthesizing ZnO nanoparticles for use in environmental remediation processes