Copper Oxide Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, Antimicrobial Activities and Catalytic Reduction of Methylene Blue

In recent years, metal nanoparticles have been applied in many areas due to their attractive properties. Copper oxide nanaoparticles in particular have drawn much attention owing to their electrical, catalytic, optical, antibacterial and antifungal properties. In this study copper oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using Onosma Sericeum Willd (Boraginaceae) extract with a simple, economic and eco-friendly method for the first time. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using ultraviolet visible spectrophotometry, field emission scanning electron microscopes and x-ray diffraction. The particle size distribution and zeta potential measurements of the copper oxide nanoparticles were measured with the dynamic light scattering technique. It was determined that the copper oxide nanoparticles with a particle size of less than 100 nm showed catalytic effect in the reduction of Methylene Blue. In addition, the antimicrobial properties of the copper oxide nanoparticles were investigated in this study. The results of the study showed that synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles can be used as a promising agent in nanotechnology applications.