Camellia sinensis-mediated green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles: An eco-friendly approach for high-performance gas sensing

This study investigates a sustainable method to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) by employing natural plant extracts, specifically utilizing green tea powder commonly known as Camellia sinensis (ZnO synthesized via green tea - ZGT). The research further explores the potential application of these nanoparticles in effective gas sensing. The co-precipitation technique is employed for synthesizing ZnO NPs, utilizing the inherent characteristics of Camellia sinensis, a tea plant. This method ensures the production process is both environmentally sustainable and conscious. The synthesized nanoparticles undergo various analysis, including structural examination through XRD and Raman studies, morphological investigation via SEM with EDX, optical analysis using UV-Vis, and determination of surface material composition through XPS. The average grain size and lattice distortion of the substances were determined using the Debye-Scherrer and Williamson-Hall methods, respectively. The ZGT sensor exhibited notable selectivity and sensitivity to different volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as Ammonia-NH3, Acetone-C3H6O, Formaldehyde-HCHO, and Benzene-C6H6. The environmentally friendly synthesis route presented in this paper not only offers a greener alternative to conventional methods but also opens paths for the utilization of bio-derived materials in advanced sensing applications.