Evaluation of Environmentally Friendly Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Carica papaya Leaf Extract for Renewable Energy Applications

Abstract

This research explores the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Carica papaya leaf extract as a reducing agent. With a focus on developing reliable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective nanomaterial for device technologies, this sustainable method offers an alternative to conventional bulk material synthesis. Synthesized powder samples were characterized using XRD, FTIR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM, EDX, and TEM. Spin-coating technique was used for thin-film deposition, while current-voltage properties were measured using a four-point probe system connected to a Keithley 2400 measurement unit and a solar simulator. Absorption peaks ranged from 299-382 nm as recorded from UV-visible, which is inferior to bulk material at 410 nm. The band gap energy was estimated to be 3.47 eV, resistance 5192.63 Ω, resistivity 132.0038 Ωm⁻¹, and conductivity 7.6×10⁻³ Sm⁻¹ were determined. These results highlight ZnO nanoparticles potential for renewable energy and semiconductor applications