Green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles for photodegradation of malachite green and antibacterial properties under visible light

In this study, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) were successfully prepared via a biological approach using Mangifera Indica aqueous extract as a reducing agent. The characterization of the as-prepared CuONPs was investigated via modern analytical methods. Accordingly, the CuONPs exhibited a particle size distribution ranging from 20 to 80 nm and high stability with a zeta potential value of -40.5 mV. In addition, the CuONPs photo-catalyst was deployed in the photocatalytic degradation of malachite green under visible illumination thanks to the notable bandgap energy of 1.62 eV, acquiring a magnificent efficiency of 95.39% and high durability over 5 cycles of recycling. Furthermore, CuONPs showed effective antibacterial activities toward both E. coli and S. aureus strains under light conditions than in darkness. Therefore, the green synthesized CuONPs served as the role of a photo-catalyst can be a promising choice for applications in environmental remediation.