Development of high-performance ZnO nanoparticles using Olea europaea leaf extract: potential for multifunctional textile finishing and dye degradation

Abstract

Zinc oxide nanoparticles were sustainably synthesised using Olea europaea leaf extract as a high-performance candidate for functional textile finishing. These green-synthesised nanoparticles were compared to conventional chemical ZnO to evaluate their suitability for textile-related applications. SEM analysis revealed that Green ZnO consists of well-defined hexagonal prisms with a primary size of 200–500 nm, providing a high density of active surface sites. The material exhibited a reduced band gap (2.6 eV) and enhanced visible-light absorption attributed to carbon incorporation and induced oxygen vacancies during thermal treatment. These characteristics are particularly advantageous for the development of self-cleaning textiles under natural sunlight. Green ZnO exhibited superior methylene blue adsorption (52 mg/g, 21% higher than chemical ZnO) and achieved 94% photocatalytic degradation within 3 h. The results indicate that these nanoparticles can effectively degrade textile dye effluents and provide self- cleaning properties to treated substrates. Furthermore, antimicrobial testing showed significant inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus (16 mm) and Candida albicans (28 mm). This eco-friendly, scalable ZnO presents a multifunctional finishing agent capable of providing simultaneous dye removal, self-cleaning, and disinfection, offering a sustainable pathway for the production of smart, bioactive textiles.