A review of the green synthesis of zno nanoparticles utilising Southern African indigenous medicinal plants

Abstract

Metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs), such as zinc oxide (ZnO), have been researched extensively for applications in biotechnology, photovoltaics, photocatalysis, sensors, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals due to their unique properties at the nanoscale. ZnO NPs have been fabricated using conventional physical and chemical processes, but these techniques are limited due to the use of hazardous chemicals that are bad for the environment and high energy consumption. Plant-mediated synthesis of ZnO NPs has piqued the interest of researchers owing to secondary metabolites found in plants that can reduce Zn precursors and stabilise ZnO NPs.