Jatropha extract mediated synthesis of ZnFe2O4 nanopowder: Excellent performance as an electrochemical sensor, UV photocatalyst and an antibacterial activity

[Display omitted] •ZnFe2O4 nanomaterials were characterized by PXRD, SEM, UV–Visible, and FT-IR studies.•Enhanced photocatalytic activity and Impedance studies were carried out to prove the efficiency of photocatalysis for the prepared ZnFe2O4 nanomaterials.•.Charge-discharge and Sensors studies were carried out for prepared ZnFe2O4 nanomaterials.•The antibacterial activity of ZnFe2O4 NPs was tested against E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria by agar gel diffusion method. This research work reports green assisted combustion synthesis of zinc ferrite nanoparticles (ZnFe2O4 NPs) using Jatropha extract and their electrochemical sensor with antibacterial activities were studied. The 98% dye degradation was achieved for photocatalytic decomposition of Malachite Green (MG) dye using prepared ZnFe2O4 NPs under UV irradiation. Electrochemical analysis was conducted in 0.1 M KCl with modified Graphite-ZnFe2O4 electrode showed charge-discharge battery type mechanism and showed excellent performance in electrochemical sensor activity for Mifepristone and Misoprostol. Also antibacterial activity of ZnFe2O4 NPs was discussed against E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria at different concentrations by agar gel diffusion method.