Abstract

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized using Phyllanthus acidus leaf extract by means of its reduction and stabilization tendency. The prepared ZnO NPs were systematically characterized by X-ray diffraction, Rietveld refinement, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and UV–Visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy techniques. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the development of ZnO NPs with hexagonal wurtzite structure. Rietveld refinement analysis disclosed consistency of lattice parameters (a and c) and cell volume with hexagonal wurtzite structure. Observed Rp, Rwp and χ2 values indicated better profile refinement of ZnO NPs. According to field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses, the ZnO was composed of ultrafine nanoparticle morphology with size ranged between 15 and 30 nm and a mean particle size of 22 nm. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method was employed to evaluate texture features of ZnO NPs and determined their surface area (21.2016 m2/g). Optical analysis disclosed that the green synthesized ZnO NPs had band gap energy value of 3.21 eV. The ZnO NPs were effectively utilized for photodegradation of methylene blue dye under simulated solar light illumination and achieved a maximum degradation efficiency of 72 % at 90 min. The insights about green synthesized ZnO NPs and their photocatalytic application are thoroughly explained in detail. © 2025 The Author(s)