Comparing zinc salts for biosynthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using Trichoderma harzianum: Zinc acetate dihydrate vs. zinc nitrate hexahydrate

Abstract

This study compares the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using Trichoderma harzianum with zinc acetate dihydrate [Zn (CH₃COO)₂·2H₂O] and zinc nitrate hexahydrate [Zn (NO₃)₂·6H₂O] as precursors. Synthesis with zinc acetate dihydrate showed higher efficiency, requiring a shorter reaction time and producing a more stable nanoparticle (-21.3 mV vs.-19.8 mV). Characterization via UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and zeta potential analysis revealed acetate-derived NPs with a crystallite size of 18-22 nm, slightly larger but more stable than nitrate-derived NPs (15-20 nm). These findings suggest zinc acetate dihydrate as a preferable precursor for eco-friendly ZnO NP synthesis.