Synthesis of Core/Shell (ZnO/Ag) Nanoparticles Using Calotropis gigantea and Their Applications in Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Studies

In this study, we have synthesized core/shell ZnO/Ag nanoparticles (NPs) via solution combustion method using Calotropis gigantea leaves extract as fuel and zinc nitrate hexahydrate Zn(NO)3·6H2O and silver nitrate AgNO3 as precursor. The prepared NPs were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). The optical energy band gap was studied using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and it is found to be 3.38 eV. ZnO/Ag NPs used as photocatalyst for degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye. Antibacterial activity for human pathogens (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) studies through Agar well diffusion method.