Highly efficient Cu-phthalocyanine-sensitized ZnO hollow spheres for photocatalytic and antimicrobial applications

This work is focused on in-situ synthesis of a novel composite of Zin oxide (ZnO) and Copper Phthalocyanine (CuPc) as an efficient solar light photocatalyst for water purification. The results of these analyses confirmed the successful preparation of CuPc-sensitized ZnO composite. SEM and TEM analyses revealed the spherical shape of pure ZnO with a bit of agglomeration. Interestingly, the ZnO particles showed the hollow structure when prepared in the presence of CuPc. It is suggested that CuPc takes over the function as structure modifying agent for the formation of hollow spheres of ZnO. The prepared CuPc/ZnO composite was highly efficient and reproducible solar light photocatalyst as compared to pure ZnO, demonstrating the sensitization role of CuPc. In addition, the inhibitory activity of the synthesized nanomaterials was assessed against two multi-drugs resistant bacteria, B. cereus and P. aeruginosa. The results showed a clear inhibitory zone around the pathogenic strains indicating the presence of antibacterial activity against bacterial strain. Antibacterial activity was also investigated in liquid medium in the presence of different nanomaterials under solar light irradiation. The best results were obtained for CuPc/ZnO with better reduction in the number of viable cells. The CuPc/ZnO nanocomposite exhibited bactericidal and not bacteriostatic mode of action. Hence, CuPc/ZnO composite could be considered as a possible alternative for antibiotics. Thus, the current study provides the multifunctional green nanomaterials for water remediation under natural conditions.