Investigating superior environmental microfluidic carbon sequestration using Hydnum repandum -mediated ZnO-nanoconjugates

This study aims to develop an environmentally sustainable microfluidic carbon sequestration system using HR-ZnO nanoconjugates. The nanoparticles are evaluated for their efficiency, stability, and eco-compatibility for enhanced carbon capture applications. The extract (0.1 %) of mushroom was used for preparation of HR-ZnO NCs. Higher propensity of HR-ZnO NCs was obtained by optimizing multiple parameters i.e., amount of salt (0.02 M), level of optimal extract (1.5 mL) and procurement period (120 min). The UV–Vis spectrum showed peak at approx. 315 nm for extract and sharp peaks for HR-ZnO NCs were observed at approx. 325 and 340 nm. FTIR revealed hydroxyl, carbonyl, and amine groups in nanoparticles at 3,264.24, 2,165.41, 2,022.57, 1,973.09, 1,635.54, 1,532.60, 1,397.74, 1,030.66 and 929.32 cm −1 . XRD confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite crystalline nature of myco-synthesized ZnO NCs. SEM images of ZnO NPs confirmed the irregular structure of ZnO NCs. At 6 % salinity, HR-ZnO NCs exhibited a significantly greater reduction in CO 2 bubble size than free ZnO nanoparticles, indicating superior CO 2 dissolution and sequestration. Salinity-dependent studies (3–15 % NaCl) revealed enhanced sequestration efficiency with increasing ionic strength up to an optimum of 12 % NaCl. This study presents the first eco-engineered microfluidic carbon sequestration system establishing a sustainable and biologically integrated approach to carbon capture.