Tinospora cordifolia mediated facile green synthesis of cupric oxide nanoparticles and their photocatalytic, antioxidant and antibacterial properties

The study reports a facile method for the green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO Nps) by a solution combustion method using Tinospora cordifolia water extract. The Nps were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM and UV–visible studies. XRD data indicates the formation of pure monoclinic crystallite structures of CuO Nps. SEM images show that the particles have sponge like structure with large surface area and the average crystallite sizes were found to be ~6–8 nm. These observations were confirmed by TEM analysis. Photocatalytic activity studies of CuO Nps reveal that they act as very good catalyst for the effective degradation of methylene blue (MB) in the presence of UV and Sun light. Also, the degradation of MB was found to be pH dependent. The Nps found to inhibit the activity of 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals effectively. CuO Nps exhibit significant bactericidal activity against Klebsiella aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The study reveals a simple, ecofriendly and robust method for the synthesis of multifunctional CuO nanoparticle employing underutilized medicinal plants.