Abstract
A “green route” to fabricate nanoparticles has emerged as a revolutionary approach. In this study, CuO, lichen modified CuO (PCuO) and Molybdenum doped lichen extract modified CuO (PCuOM) were successfully synthesized using co-precipitation method. The as-prepared nanoparticles were characterized using UV–visible-diffuse reflectance spectroscopy(UV–vis-DRS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. The XRD pattern confirms the formation of CuO with JCPDS No.(01-080-1916) and the crystalline nature is found as monoclinic phase of end center. Due to Mo doping and lichen extract activity the PCuOM nanoparticle size was much reduced to14 nm. UV–visible- DRS measurements show a reduction in band gap of PCuOM after dopping with Mo. The FT-IR confirms the presence of functional groups that acts as the capping agent for the synthesis of CuONPs. Mo-CuO nanoparticles showed strong visible-light response and high photocatalytic activity for Amaranth degradation under irradiation by visible-light (400–500 nm). The maximum Amaranth degradation (87%) was achieved with PCuOM concentration of 0.1 g/L, initial Amaranth concentration of 10 μM, pH 7 and irradiation time of 50 min. The antimicrobial activity of all the samples was investigated against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. The combined effect of phytochemicals and Mo doping shows higher zone of inhibition against Bacillus subtilus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa about 16 mm and 22 mm respectively, when compared to other bacteria.