Eco‐Friendly Zinc Oxide‐Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite Synthesized from Flower Extract for Waterborne Pathogen Removal

ABSTRACT This study presents a green synthesis approach for Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using aqueous extracts from waste flower petals. Graphite flakes were transformed into graphene oxide (GO) using a modified Hummer's method, and ZnO/GO Nanocomposites (NCs) were synthesized via a straightforward precipitation technique. The prepared nanocomposite was characterized using various analytical techniques, including FTIR, XRD, and SEM, to confirm its structural and morphological properties. The antibacterial properties of GO/ZnO NCs were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli , demonstrating significantly higher activity compared to individual GO and ZnO NPs. The superior antibacterial efficacy of GO/ZnO NCs is attributed to their multi‐target mechanism, primarily disrupting bacterial cytoplasmic membranes, followed by subsequent structural damage. These findings highlight GO/ZnO NCs as a promising antibacterial agent, demonstrating a zone of inhibition of 20 mm against S. aureus and 19 mm against E. coli , providing an efficient solution to combat harmful microorganisms and contributing to waste valorization through green nanotechnology. Furthermore, the nanocomposite was tested for its efficiency in pathogen removal from water, showcasing its potential as a sustainable and eco‐friendly material for water purification applications. The study emphasizes the role of plant‐based synthesis in developing advanced nanomaterials, promoting environmental sustainability while addressing global waterborne pathogen challenges.