<i>Carica Papaya</i> leaf-infused metal oxide nanocomposite: a green approach towards water treatment and antibacterial applications

<p dir="ltr">This study successfully synthesized ZnO–CuO nanocomposite using the hydrothermal method with Carica papaya leaf extract. The incorporation of the leaf extract significantly enhanced the nanocomposite properties, a novel approach in scientific research. Characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transmission Infrared spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis, confirmed a cubic crystal structure with an average size of 22.37 nm. The Fourier Transmission Infrared spectrum revealed distinctive vibrations at 627, 661, and 751 cm⁻¹ corresponding to ZnO–CuO nanocomposite corresponding to stretching and vibration modes. SEM images confirmed a cubic-like and irregular structure. The nanocomposite exhibited outstanding photocatalytic activity, degrading methylene blue dye by 96.73% within 120 min under visible light. Additionally, they showed significant antimicrobial activity, inhibiting <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (20 mm) and <i>Klebsiella</i> pneumonia (17 mm). The results highlight the efficiency of Carica papaya leaf-derived ZnO–CuO nanocomposite for environmental and health challenges.</p><h2>Other Information</h2><p dir="ltr">Published in: Environmental Geochemistry and Health<br>License: <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0" target="_blank">https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0</a><br>See article on publisher's website: <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10653-024-02090-4" target="_blank">https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10653-024-02090-4</a></p>