Synthesis and Characterization of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles: A Greener Approach Using Senna occidentalis (Linn.) Aqueous Leaf Extract as Bio Reductor and Capping Agent

Abstract

The advancement of green technology has heightened interest in creating low-cost, environmentally friendly methods for fabricating nanoparticles. Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) have received a considerable attention due to their electrical, catalytic, optical, textile, photonic, mono-fluid, and pharmacological characteristics, which are all affected by nanoparticle size and morphology. In this study, a cost-effective and environmentally safe green approach was applied to synthesize CuO nanostructures using Senna occidentalis leaf extract. The eco-friendly synthesis was carried out by combining an aqueous solution of copper (II) sulphate with the leaf extract, where bioactive compounds within the extract facilitated the reduction of copper ion and contributed to nanoparticle stability and functional characteristics. Several characterization techniques were used, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-VIS spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. UV-VIS spectra showed peaks at 246 nm, 298 nm, 354 nm, and 415 nm, indicating the formation of CuO nanoparticles. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of monoclinic CuO with crystalline characteristics showing an average particle size of 27.4 Å. FTIR analysis revealed the participation of -OH group, which acts as both a reducing and capping agent. FESEM images indicated spherical to rod-shaped nanoparticles ranging in size from 30 nm to 300 nm, with an average particle size of around 100 nm. This research presents a simple, low-cost, and biologically mediated approach for synthesizing CuO nanoparticles using S. occidentalis leaves, with potential applications in antibacterial, antifungal, and cytotoxic activity.