Copper Oxide Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, Antimicrobial Activities and Catalytic Reduction of Methylene Blue

Abstract

In recent years, metal nanoparticles have been applied in many areas due to theirattractive properties. Copper oxide nanoparticles, in particular, have drawn much attention owingto their electrical, catalytic, optical, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. In this study, copperoxide nanoparticles were synthesized using Onosma Sericeum Willd (Boraginaceae) extract witha simple, economical, and eco-friendly method for the first time. The synthesized nanoparticleswere characterized using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, field emission scanning electronmicroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The particle size distribution and zeta potential measurementsof the copper oxide nanoparticles were measured with the dynamic light scattering technique. Itwas determined that the copper oxide nanoparticles with a particle size of less than 100 nmshowed a catalytic effect in the reduction of methylene blue (MB). At room temperature, up to90% MB dye degradation was achieved. Also, the antimicrobial properties of the copper oxidenanoparticles were investigated in this study. The results of the study showed that synthesizedcopper oxide nanoparticles could be used as a promising agent in nanotechnology applications.