Characterization of eco-friendly green synthesis of ZrO₂ nanoparticles using medicinal leaf extracts of Curcuma zedoaria and Diospyros blancoi

Green synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles offers a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical processes. In this work, leaf extracts from Curcuma Zedoaria and Diospyros Blancoi were used as natural stabilising and reducing agents to successfully create zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂) nanoparticles. Nanoparticle production with an absorbance peak at around 220 nm and broad band gaps of 4.72 and 4.94 eV was confirmed by UV–visible spectroscopy, suggesting suitability for photocatalytic and energy-related applications. The average diameters of the quasi-spherical nanoparticles were 11.31 nm and 21.96 nm, respectively, according to SEM and TEM examinations. FTIR research showed that phytochemicals with hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amine groups contribute to surface stability. Significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was demonstrated by biosynthesised ZrO₂ NPs, and their enhanced efficacy was attributed to the generation of reactive oxygen species and biomolecule capping. This comparative study demonstrates the promise of green-synthesised ZrO₂ NPs for biomedical, catalytic, and energy applications and highlights the crucial role of plant extract composition in shaping nanoparticle characteristics.