Synthesis of Ag@ZnO/Cellulose Nanocomposites using <i>Blumea Lacera</i> Plant for Antibacterial Activity and Removal Of Methylene Blue

Abstract The synergistic effect of bimetallic nanoparticles is one of the breakthrough while working on development of non‐noble metal‐based catalyst. This study delivers the green synthesis of bimetallic nanocomposites using silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles along with nanocellulose, which not only acts as a passive carrier but an active participant. The cellulose‐based bimetallic nanocomposite materials include in situ‐synthesized silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs) that function as a bio‐reductant and are derived from the aqueous extract of the leaves of the medicinally significant plant Blumea lacera . The synthesized bimetallic cellulose nanocomposite material was analyzed using XRD, UV, FTIR, SEM/EDX, BET, and NTA. The presence of Ag, ZnO, and Ag@ZnO components was verified by the SEM and EDX spectra. The NTA was used to determine the average size of the Ag@ZnO, Ag, and ZnO nanoparticles produced, which were 17, 14, and 33 nm, respectively. The Ag 50 @ZnO 50 /CNC was shown to be an efficient photocatalytic ability in the degradation of methylene blue in the presence of sunlight, showing a significant photodegradation efficiency of 92%. The same nanocomposite was studied for its antibacterial activity, which is effective against both gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria. These findings conclude synergy of silver, zinc oxide, and cellulose as nanocomposites.