Fabrication of zinc oxide nanoparticles from electronic waste and application on cotton fabric to evaluate antibacterial properties

In recent times, E-waste has become one of human society's burning issues because the widespread usage of these materials generates enormous amounts of waste that are unquestionably toxic to the environment. In this context, the present study focuses on synthesizing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) from e-waste through recycling using sustainable methods and applying these ZnONPs to textile materials to impart antimicrobial properties. In the intermediate stage of nanoparticle preparation, zinc chloride and zinc nitrate solutions were prepared for chemical and green synthesis of ZnONPs using NaOH and an aqueous solution of neem ( Azardirachta indica) leaf extract, respectively. Finally, the developed nanoparticles were applied to 100% cotton fabric in the presence of chitosan, which was added to improve their durability and effectiveness. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and determination of the antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) bacteria were performed. The FTIR analysis confirmed Zn-OH bonding and interactions with chitosan/cellulose. Besides, SEM revealed particle sizes below 90.32 nm for green synthesis and 84.56 nm for chemical synthesis. Similarly, a significant zone of inhibition during the antibacterial test, which was also found in a good to moderate region even after 10 laundering cycles, shows evidence of the potential for antimicrobial efficacy of ZnONPs-treated fabrics for the synthesized route.