Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanorods using Emblica officinalis

Unlocking Nature's Potential: How Green Chemistry is Revolutionizing Nanotechnology

Jordan Keane in Science & Nature August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover the eco-friendly synthesis of zinc oxide nanorods using Emblica officinalis (Amla) and its implications for sustainable technology."

Nanotechnology is rapidly transforming various fields, from medicine to electronics, driven by the unique properties of nanoparticles. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, in particular, have garnered significant attention due to their diverse applications in optical devices, sensors, catalysts, and drug delivery systems. However, traditional methods for synthesizing these nanoparticles often involve hazardous chemicals and energy-intensive processes, raising environmental concerns.

In response to the growing need for sustainable practices, green chemistry has emerged as a promising alternative. This approach focuses on developing eco-friendly methods that minimize waste, reduce energy consumption, and utilize renewable resources. One exciting area within green chemistry is the use of plant extracts for nanoparticle synthesis. Plants produce a wide array of bioactive molecules, known as phytochemicals, which can act as reducing agents, stabilizers, and capping agents in the formation of nanoparticles.

Among the various plants studied, Emblica officinalis, also known as Amla or Indian gooseberry, stands out due to its rich antioxidant properties and medicinal value. Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, Emblica officinalis possesses antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent research has explored the potential of using Emblica officinalis leaf extract for the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanorods, offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional methods.

The Green Synthesis of ZnO Nanorods: A Step-by-Step Guide

Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanorods using Emblica officinalis

The research paper details a simple yet effective protocol for synthesizing zinc oxide nanorods using Emblica officinalis leaf extract. This method avoids the need for high-temperature calcinations, making it an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly approach. The process involves the reaction of zinc acetate dihydrate with sodium hydroxide in the presence of Emblica officinalis leaf extract.

Here’s a breakdown of the key steps involved:

Preparation of Emblica officinalis Leaf Extract: Fresh leaves of Emblica officinalis are collected, cleaned, and finely grinded. The extract is then obtained by filtering the grinded leaves.
Reaction Mixture: Zinc acetate dihydrate is dissolved in distilled water under vigorous stirring. The aqueous leaf extract of Emblica officinalis is then added to the zinc acetate solution.
Addition of Sodium Hydroxide: Aqueous sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is added to the mixture, resulting in a white aqueous solution with a pH of 12. This high pH is crucial for the formation of zinc oxide nanorods.
Stirring and Incubation: The solution is stirred continuously for 2 hours using a magnetic stirrer to ensure proper mixing and reaction.
Washing and Drying: The precipitate formed is collected and washed repeatedly with distilled water and ethanol to remove any impurities. The final product, a white powder of ZnO nanorods, is obtained after drying in a vacuum oven at 60°C overnight.

The resulting ZnO nanorods are typically 100-200 nm in size. Various analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), are used to characterize the morphology, composition, and crystal structure of the synthesized nanorods.

The Future of Green Nanotechnology

The green synthesis of zinc oxide nanorods using Emblica officinalis leaf extract represents a significant step towards sustainable nanotechnology. This eco-friendly approach offers numerous advantages over traditional methods, including reduced waste, lower energy consumption, and the use of renewable resources. As research in this area continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative and sustainable methods for synthesizing nanomaterials, paving the way for a cleaner, greener future.

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.14233/ajchem.2015.18870, Alternate LINK

Title: Green Synthesis Of Benevolent Zno Nanorods Using Emblica Officinalis

Subject: General Chemistry

Journal: Asian Journal of Chemistry

Publisher: Asian Journal of Chemistry

Authors: D. Gnanasangeetha, D. Sarala Thambavani

Published: 2015-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is Green Chemistry and why is it important in nanotechnology?

Green chemistry is an approach that emphasizes eco-friendly methods to minimize waste, reduce energy consumption, and utilize renewable resources. In nanotechnology, it's crucial because traditional nanoparticle synthesis methods often involve hazardous chemicals and energy-intensive processes, causing environmental concerns. By using green chemistry, such as the method involving Emblica officinalis, we can create sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches to nanotechnology.

How does Emblica officinalis (Amla) contribute to the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanorods?

Emblica officinalis, also known as Amla, plays a vital role in the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanorods. Its leaf extract contains phytochemicals, which act as reducing agents, stabilizers, and capping agents. These phytochemicals facilitate the formation of zinc oxide nanorods from zinc acetate dihydrate and sodium hydroxide. The use of Emblica officinalis provides a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional methods, capitalizing on its rich antioxidant and medicinal properties.

Can you explain the step-by-step process of synthesizing zinc oxide nanorods using Emblica officinalis?

The process begins with the Preparation of Emblica officinalis Leaf Extract, where fresh leaves are ground and filtered. Next, in the Reaction Mixture, zinc acetate dihydrate is dissolved, followed by the addition of Emblica officinalis leaf extract. Aqueous sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is added to this mixture to achieve a high pH of 12, critical for zinc oxide nanorod formation. The solution undergoes Stirring and Incubation for 2 hours. Finally, the precipitate is subject to Washing and Drying, resulting in ZnO nanorods after removing impurities.

What are the advantages of using the green synthesis method with Emblica officinalis over traditional methods for producing zinc oxide nanoparticles?

The green synthesis method, utilizing Emblica officinalis, provides several advantages over traditional methods. It reduces waste and lowers energy consumption. It also utilizes renewable resources, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly approach. This method avoids high-temperature calcinations, making it energy-efficient. Traditional methods often involve hazardous chemicals, making the green synthesis method a safer and environmentally conscious option.

In what applications are zinc oxide nanorods used, and how does green synthesis impact these applications?

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods are used in diverse applications, including optical devices, sensors, catalysts, and drug delivery systems. The green synthesis method using Emblica officinalis impacts these applications by providing a sustainable and eco-friendly production method. This ensures that the production of these nanomaterials doesn't contribute to environmental pollution. By using green synthesis, we can continue to benefit from the applications of ZnO nanorods while minimizing the negative impact on the environment, thus promoting sustainable technological advancements.