Structural, Morphological and Optical Investigation of Green Synthesised Zirconium Oxide Nanostructures and its Potential in Degradation of Methylene Blue

In this study, a novel green route was employed to synthesise zirconium oxide nanoparticles using Eucalyptus Globulus fresh and healthy leaves. The synthesised nanoparticles were characterized using various techniques. XRD confirmed the formation in both tetragonal and monoclinic phase nanoparticles, with which the main composition was tetragonal phase and particles were exceptionally agglomerated. UV-Vis spectra showed sharp absorption edge with precise band gap of 3.07 eV and 4.44 eV and ensure the light absorption. FE-SEM and EDX elemental study formation zirconium oxide nanoparticles. BET study revealed the substantial specific surface area of 286.27m2/g. SEM and HRTEM images depicted the agglomeration of fine particles, which is further established by selective area electron diffraction. The photocatalytic study of the nanostructures was explored using methylene blue dye in dark and with the UV light. It exhibited the least degradation in dark and shows 87.63% degradation in presence of light. Hence, it can be an excellent candidate for pollutant dye degradation.