Coahuila Revista Científica de la Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila 50 Síntesis verde óxido de zinc (ZnO) utilizando extractos de Ephedra californica y su aplicación en la fotodegradación de colorantes

Green synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) using Ephedra californica extracts and its application in dye photodegradation

Abstract

In this work, the green synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) using Ephedra californica extracts at concentrations of 1%, 3%, and 5% w/v (weight/volume) is reported. The extracts act as reducing and stabilizing agents to evaluate their influence on ZnO formation. The obtained materials were characterized by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Ultraviolet Visible Spectroscopy (UVVis). The FTIR spectrum showed a band centered at 440 cm^-1, characteristic of the Zn-O bond, confirming the formation of ZnO. Likewise, the UV-Vis analysis revealed a decrease in the bandgap as the extract concentration increased. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated in the degradation of three model organic dyes, methylene blue, methyl orange, and rhodamine B, under UV radiation. The ZnO synthesized with 5% extract exhibited the highest efficiency in degrading methylene blue (99.63% in 180 min), while optimal results for the other dyes were obtained with intermediate extract concentrations. These results demonstrate the potential of green synthesis as an eco-friendly, sustainable alternative for producing ZnO with applications in wastewater treatment.