Search Results (2,240)

The aim of this study is to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using G. globosa aqueous leaf extract. The preliminary screening of the phytochemicals was performed with the G. globosa aqueous leaf extract. The physical and chemical characteristics of G. globosa-mediated ZnO NPs were evaluated using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), nanoanalysis and thermogravimetry. The antibacterial activity of G. globosa-mediated ZnO NPs was assessed against Gram-negative bacteria. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) analyses were performed to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of the G. globosa-mediated ZnO NPs. The heavy metal adsorption capacity of the synthesized ZnO NPs was evaluated using atomic adsorption spectroscopy (AAS). The UV-Vis spectrum of G. globosa-mediated ZnO NPs proved the excitonic absorption of the synthesized ZnO NPs. FTIR analysis determined the presence of metal oxide functional groups in the G. globosa-mediated ZnO NPs. The average size of 60 nm and the spherical shape of G. globosa-mediated ZnO NPs were confirmed by HRTEM and SEM analyses. The synthesized ZnO NPs had prominent antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. G. globosa-mediated ZnO NPs acted as an important adsorbent of heavy metals such as cadmium and lead. Adsorption kinetic studies (pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetics) and isotherm analyses (Langmuir and Freundlich models) were performed. The kinetic studies and isotherm models revealed that the synthesized ZnO NPs showed higher adsorption efficiency for cadmium. Full article

Jarosite-type residues generated during zinc hydrometallurgical processing represent a significant environmental liability and a latent source of valuable metals (Zn, Pb, Ag). In this study, the thermal decomposition and mineralogical evolution of an industrial ammonium jarosite residue were investigated to 600–1400 °C. The behavior of the as-received residue was compared against a designed flux-assisted formulation comprising 45 wt% jarosite, 40 wt% Na₂CO₃, and 15 wt% SiC. The conventional roasting of pure jarosite forms refractory zinc ferrite (ZnFe₂O₄) and releases SO₂ above 800 °C, while the flux-assisted route stabilized the sulfur as Na₂SO₄ and CaSO₄, decreasing toxic gas emissions. Concurrently, the reducing effect of the SiC significantly inhibited bulk zinc ferrite formation up to 1200 °C and favored the partial reduction of iron to magnetite (Fe₃O₄). Thermodynamic assessment using FactSage reasonably matches experimental results by X-ray diffraction and SEM-EDS measurements. The thermodynamic evaluation predicts the formation of elemental silver available for subsequent pickup by a collector metal and a liquid slag phase at approximately 1000 °C for the flux-assisted jarosite samples. The ammonium jarosite flux-assisted roasting strategy enhances the potential for metal recovery while increasing environmental sulfur fixation in the slag, aligning with sustainable circular economy principles in non-ferrous metallurgy. Full article

In this work, a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between photoluminescent, thermo-oxidative, and photocatalytic (upon simulated sunlight exposure) properties of ZnO powders is performed. The correlation between the X-ray diffraction and microscopic data is studied. ZnO powders of various sizes and morphologies were used: pseudo-spherical nanoparticles (30–50 nm), submicron faceted crystallites (100–500 nm), and plate- and rod-like microstructures (up to 20 μm). The mean specific surface area values were 32 m²/g, 3.8 m²/g, and 2.6 m²/g for pseudo-spherical nanoparticles, submicron faceted crystallites, and plate- and rod-like microstructures, respectively. According to the XRD data, microstresses and carbon-based impurities were present in ZnO nanoparticles, which is characteristic of nanomaterials synthesized at low temperatures. According to the photoluminescence spectroscopy data, the emission in ZnO was reduced due to high defectiveness, and characteristic emission bands indicated the presence of organic impurities. Upon long signal registration times, an intensive luminescence band with an effective maximum at 579 nm occurred, which indicated the presence of long-term components exhibiting decay times τ ~300 μs. According to the XRD data, the crystal structure parameters of ZnO submicro- and microparticles were close, with no impurities present. In their photoluminescence spectra, pronounced UV and defect-related bands were present with intensity ratios of 11.6 and 6.88, respectively. The decrease in the UV and defect-related luminescence band intensity ratios indicates deviation from the stoichiometry toward an increased Zn over oxygen content. At long signal registration times, in submicron ZnO particles, a luminescence band with maxima at 425 and 490 nm is present, which decays rapidly. An emission band in the 530 nm region is also present, which decays for ≤80 μs, and a weak long-wavelength emission decaying for ~100 μs. At long delay and strobe times (up to milliseconds), only an emission in the 460 nm region is observed, which we connect to the triplet–singlet transition of a defect center (F*, F⁺*). At lower intensities, an emission connected to the surface contamination by organic impurities is observed. In photoluminescence spectra of ZnO microparticles, no long-wavelength emission components are observed. However, upon immersing into methylene blue solution, a modification of the surface and UV region of the spectra is observed with signs of charge carrier recombination rate acceleration. It is shown that the catalytic action of ZnO powders in polyethylene thermo-oxidation processes is determined by a combination of factors. In addition to dispersity and concentration, which are the key parameters, the morphology of ZnO particles, the presence of impurities, the surface state, and the distribution of active sites have a significant influence on catalysis. It has been experimentally demonstrated that these secondary factors can markedly affect the rate of radical formation in polyethylene films and alter their resistance to oxidation. ZnO nanoparticles exhibited low catalytic activity in both photocatalysis (rate constant 0.146 min⁻¹) and thermocatalysis due to the high defect density of the crystallites and the presence of carbon-containing impurities. Submicron ZnO particles, owing to a high carrier generation rate and suppressed recombination (via trapping), demonstrated the highest photoactivity (rate constant 0.729 min⁻¹). Submicron ZnO particles exhibit a catalytic effect on the thermo-oxidation of polyethylene (PE films); however, at concentrations above 8 wt.% a transition to an inhibiting effect is observed. ZnO microparticles catalyzed the oxidation of PE films over a broader concentration range (1–12 wt.%), with oxidation inhibition observed only at 18 wt.%. At the same time, they demonstrated moderate photocatalytic activity (rate constant 0.256 min⁻¹). These characteristics of the samples correlate with data obtained by microscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Full article

The resource utilization of eutrophic cyanobacterial biomass provides a sustainable route for developing biochar-based catalytic materials for dye wastewater treatment. Herein, eutrophic cyanobacteria from Dianchi Lake, Kunming, were used as raw materials to prepare functional catalytic materials via pyrolysis-modification. A trimetallic photocatalyst, CuFeZnXBC₄₀₀ (XBC = cyanobacterial biochar), was fabricated for methylene blue (MB) degradation without hydrogen peroxide or other external oxidants. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS), and three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy. At an initial MB concentration of 100 mg/L and pH 11, under UV irradiation, CuFeZnXBC₄₀₀ achieved nearly 99% MB removal within 60 min and retained over 90% activity after eight cycles. Transient photocurrent measurements and quenching experiments indicated that photogenerated holes (h⁺) were the dominant oxidative species, while superoxide radicals (·O₂⁻) contributed to the reaction and hydroxyl radicals (·OH) played a limited role. LC–MS analysis supported the chemical transformation of MB, and three possible degradation pathways were proposed. The development of CuFeZnXBC400 provides a new biochar-based material and a potential strategy for cyanobacterial biomass utilization and organic dye wastewater treatment. Full article

Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, underscoring the need for safer and more effective therapeutic strategies. In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized via a green, biogenic approach using Lantana camara L. flower aqueous extract and evaluated for their anticancer potential against human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) NCI-H460 cells. The biosynthesized ZnO NPs were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and particle size analysis, confirming the formation of nanocrystalline ZnO. LC-MS profiling of the Lantana camara flower extract revealed the presence of several bioactive phytochemicals, including phenolic compounds, terpenoids, fatty acids, and alkaloids, which may contribute to the reduction and stabilization of ZnO NPs during green synthesis. Cytotoxicity assessment of ZnO NPs using MTT and trypan blue exclusion assays revealed a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability, with an IC₅₀ value of 50 µg/mL. Mechanistic investigations demonstrated that ZnO NP exposure induced significant oxidative stress, evidenced by increased nitric oxide, lipid peroxidation, and reactive oxygen species levels, along with depletion of intracellular glutathione. Apoptotic cell death was further confirmed by nuclear DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed upregulation of the pro-apoptotic genes Bax and p53, accompanied by downregulation of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2, indicating activation of a mitochondrial-dependent intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Collectively, these findings suggest that Lantana camara L. flower-mediated ZnO nanoparticles induced apoptotic responses associated with oxidative stress in NSCLC cells, highlighting their ability as an eco-friendly nanoplatform for further anticancer investigations. Full article

Benefiting from outstanding thermal durability at elevated temperatures and eco-friendly characteristics, oxide-based thermoelectric substances exhibit great application potential in residual heat recycling and intelligent textile defect inspection. Zinc oxide (ZnO) exhibits excellent thermal stability but suffers from high lattice thermal conductivity and low carrier concentration. Herein, we systematically investigate Ni-doped ZnO ceramics. XRD(X-ray diffraction) confirms homogeneous wurtzite solid solutions with lattice contraction following Vegard’s law. Ni doping enhances electrical conductivity from 45.45 to 145.80 S·cm⁻¹ by promoting oxygen vacancy formation, while first-principles calculations reveal a narrowed bandgap. For specimens with x ranging from 0.0040 to 0.0044, the power factor attains approximately 8.0 μW·cm⁻¹·K⁻² at 873 K, representing a 41% enhancement. Meanwhile, intensified phonon scattering leads to an evident suppression of lattice thermal conductivity, which lowers the overall thermal conductivity down to 2.38 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹ under 873 K. Benefiting from the above optimizations, the sample delivers a peak thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) value of 0.27 at this temperature, which is 170% greater than that of undoped ZnO. In addition, the Vickers hardness rises from 242.70 HV to 281.45 HV. Such observations verify that nickel doping can successfully decouple charge and heat transport behaviors. This approach provides a feasible route toward developing oxide thermoelectric systems with upgraded thermoelectric performance. Full article

In this study, pure ZnO and Ho-doped ZnO powders (1 and 2 mol % Ho) were synthesized via hydrothermal and sol–gel methods and evaluated for their tribocatalytic activity toward the degradation of paracetamol, an emerging pharmaceutical contaminant in aquatic environments. Structural, morphological, and optical properties of the obtained materials were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. SEM observations revealed pronounced morphology differences between the synthesis routes, with hydrothermally prepared samples exhibiting well-defined rod-like structures. XPS and EPR analyses provided evidence for successful Ho modification of ZnO and the presence of defect-related electronic states associated with Ho doping. The tribocatalytic performance was examined in distilled, tap, and mineral water using friction rods with different geometries in order to assess the influence of synthesis route, Ho concentration, and water composition. Among all the investigated materials, hydrothermally synthesized ZnO doped with 2 mol % Ho exhibited the highest tribocatalytic activity, achieving 96.91% degradation of paracetamol at an initial concentration of 15 mg/L within 24 h. The enhanced performance was attributed to improved charge separation induced by Ho modification, combined with the favorable rod-like morphology of the particles. Higher degradation efficiencies were observed in distilled water compared to tap and mineral water, indicating the important role of dissolved ions during the tribocatalytic process. These findings demonstrate that the synthesis route, Ho doping, and water composition collectively govern the tribocatalytic performance of ZnO-based materials, highlighting their potential for water purification. Full article

In the present work, graphene-modified zinc oxide (ZnO-rGO) and fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) thin films were successfully fabricated using a simple, low-cost pulsed spray pyrolysis technique. The structural, morphological, optical, electrical, and surface electronic properties of the deposited films were systematically characterized. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of polycrystalline ZnO- and SnO₂-based phases with crystallite sizes in the nanometer range. The crystallographic parameters, microstrain, and dislocation density of the deposited films were found to be influenced by the incorporation of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and fluorine dopants. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed compact and homogeneous surface morphologies with good film coverage and well-defined nanocrystalline features. Optical characterization demonstrated the wide-bandgap semiconducting behavior of the deposited films, with optical bandgap energies ranging from 3.262 to 3.312 eV for the ZnO-rGO films and from 3.91 to 4.01 eV for the FTO films. Kelvin probe measurements yielded work-function values in the range of approximately 5.0–5.2 eV, indicating favorable surface electronic characteristics suitable for optoelectronic applications. Furthermore, fluorine incorporation enhanced the dielectric response of the SnO₂ films, particularly in the low-frequency region owing to increased interfacial polarization effects. The obtained results demonstrate that pulsed spray pyrolysis provides a simple, cost-effective, and efficient route for fabricating ZnO-rGO and FTO thin films with desirable structural, optical, electrical, and surface electronic properties. These findings highlight the considerable potential of the developed materials for transparent electrodes and a wide range of optoelectronic applications. Full article

Reversible solid oxide cells (ReSOCs) represent one of the most promising electrochemical technologies for sustainable energy conversion and storage, yet their large-scale deployment remains constrained by electrode materials capable of sustaining stable performance under alternating oxidizing and reducing conditions. Reversible solid oxide cells require electrode materials that combine phase stability, chemical compatibility, redox tolerance and a microstructure suitable for gas transport and surface reactions. However, the relationships among cation composition, thermal processing, phase formation and local chemical homogeneity remain insufficiently understood, particularly for compositionally complex perovskite-related oxides. In this work, this problem was addressed through a comparative physicochemical screening of three candidate electrode materials synthesized by a simple co-precipitation route: two co-doped lanthanum ferrites, (La_0.8Sr_1.2) (Fe_0.9Co_0.1)O_6+δ (LSFC) and (La_0.8Ca_1.2) (Fe_0.9Co_0.1)O_6+δ (LCFC), and one high-entropy praseodymium nickelate, Pr(Ba_0.8Ca_0.2)(Fe_0.2Co_0.2Ni_0.2Cu_0.2Zn_0.2)₂O_6+δ (PBC-HEO). DTA–TG analysis was used to determine the thermal decomposition and crystallization ranges of the precipitated precursors. Phase evolution as a function of calcination temperature was investigated by X-ray diffraction, while Raman and FTIR spectroscopy were employed to examine the local metal–oxygen environment and structural disorder. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the formation of perovskite-type metal–oxygen frameworks in all samples and revealed distinct redistributions of spectral weight between apical/equatorial (or symmetry-related) BO₆ stretching sub-modes and bending/tilting modes, reflecting different local defect-chemical mechanisms associated with A-site doping (Sr vs. Ca) in the Ruddlesden–Popper ferrites and B-site multi-cation occupancy in the double-perovskite PBC-HEO. Bulk and local elemental compositions were assessed by ICP-MS and SEM-EDS, respectively, and SEM was used to compare particle morphology and porosity. SEM-EDS analysis showed that PBC-HEO developed the most open and interconnected microstructure among the investigated powders, although accompanied by residual compositional heterogeneity. This morphology may favor gas accessibility; however, its effective impact on electrocatalytic performance requires dedicated surface area, porosimetry, electrical, and electrochemical measurements. LSFC formed a single major Ruddlesden–Popper phase only after high-temperature calcination, whereas LCFC retained calcium-containing secondary phases. PBC-HEO developed a major perovskite-related phase at 700 °C, accompanied by minor Zn-rich segregation. Under the selected processing conditions, PBC-HEO retained the finest and most interconnected porous microstructure, although it also displayed the highest local compositional heterogeneity. These results demonstrate that cation selection and thermal history jointly control phase stability, local disorder and microstructure, providing a basis for the subsequent electrochemical evaluation and optimization of perovskite-related ReSOC electrode materials. Full article

In this study, zinc-doped magnesium ferrite (Zn_x-Mg_1−xFe₂O₄) nanoparticles were synthesized using a facile combustion method and investigated for their electrochemical sensing and photocatalytic applications. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of the synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy band gap (Eg) and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The synthesized Zn–MgFe₂O₄ nanoparticles exhibited crystallite sizes ranging from 18.7 to 27.9 nm with an optical band gap of 1.86–1.89 eV. The catalyst achieved degradation efficiencies of 78% for Eriochrome Black T and 85% for Methyl Orange within 120 min, while the electrochemical sensor exhibited excellent linearity toward HgCl₂ detection (R² = 0.99664), demonstrating the multifunctional capability of the synthesized nanostructure. The synergistic effects of Zn doping contributed to enhanced electrical conductivity, catalytic activity, and structural stability. The novelty of this work lies in the development of combustion-synthesized Zn–MgFe₂O₄ nanoparticles as a multifunctional material capable of simultaneously achieving efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes and sensitive electrochemical detection of mercury chloride using a simple and scalable synthesis route. These findings demonstrate that Zn–MgFe₂O₄ nanoparticles hold significant potential for integrated environmental remediation and electrochemical sensing applications. Full article

Spray pyrolysis is a popular method for the low-cost synthesis of oxides and other compounds in thin-film form. Here, we discuss several nuances of using this method for ternary and quaternary compounds. Specifically, we outline how precursor solubility and thermal decomposition, as well as desorption of intermediate species from the sample surface govern the spray pyrolysis growth process. We demonstrate how the stoichiometry transfer from solution to film can be affected in selected test cases. We present real-time optical growth measurements of the behaviour of individual Cu, Cr, Zn, and Sn precursors, as well as post-growth analysis of film composition by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for ternary transparent conducting oxides (TCOs; p-type: Cu_xCrO₂, SnTiO_x; and n-type: a-ZnSnO₃). We illustrate how several steps of spray pyrolysis affect the stoichiometry transfer from the solution to the ternary thin film. Using binary Cu₂O as a test case, we also show how the choice of instrument geometry and nozzle type can affect film homogeneity. All materials discussed have been chosen to highlight potential difficulties of the spray pyrolysis process of ternary, quaternary, or even more complex oxides, and the mechanisms should be considered for other materials as well. We therefore also provide an extensive overview of suitable precursor salts with similar expected properties as used in this experimental work to guide future ternary oxide studies. Full article

Magnetic polymer nanocomposites (MPNCs) have attracted considerable attention as advanced multifunctional materials for water purification due to their high adsorption capacity, magnetic recoverability, and excellent reusability. This review presents a comprehensive overview of recent developments in the synthesis, characterization, and environmental applications of MPNCs for wastewater treatment. Particular emphasis is placed on the principal synthesis strategies, including in situ and ex situ approaches, and their influence on nanoparticle dispersion, interfacial interactions, and the physicochemical properties of the resulting nanocomposites. The review covers the most widely investigated magnetic nanomaterials, such as Fe₃O₄, γ-Fe₂O₃, CoFe₂O₄, ZnFe₂O₄, and other ferrites, incorporated into natural and synthetic polymer matrices including chitosan, cellulose, alginate, polyaniline, polypyrrole, poly(vinyl alcohol), and polystyrene. Advanced characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) measurements, are discussed to evaluate the structural, chemical, thermal, and magnetic properties of these hybrid materials. The adsorption performance and underlying mechanisms of MPNCs for the removal of heavy metals, dyes, pharmaceutical compounds, organic pollutants, and oil contaminants are critically analyzed, highlighting the roles of polymer functionalization, nanocomposite architecture, and magnetic separation in enhancing treatment efficiency and reusability. In addition, the contribution of density functional theory (DFT) to understanding adsorption mechanisms and guiding the rational design of high-performance adsorbents is reviewed. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives, including green synthesis, multifunctional and stimuli-responsive materials, scalable manufacturing, and industrial implementation, are discussed. This review provides a comprehensive framework for the design and development of next-generation magnetic polymer nanocomposites for sustainable water remediation applications. Full article

This study systematically investigates the effects of Ni and Al addition to a zinc bath on the microstructure, corrosion resistance and Vickers hardness of hot–dip galvanized coatings on Q235 steel. The Zn, Zn–0.04 wt.% Ni and Zn–0.04 wt.% Ni–1 wt.% Al coatings are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X–ray diffraction (XRD), neutral salt spray (NSS) testing, electrochemical measurements and Vickers hardness testing. The addition of Ni refines and thins the ζ phase, increases the thickness of the δ phase, reduces the total coating thickness to 56.33 ± 0.89 μm and improves the corrosion resistance. With further Al addition, a continuous and dense inhibition layer forms at the interface, and the coating consists solely of this inhibition layer and the η phase; the total thickness is drastically reduced to 17.66 ± 1.78 μm, accompanied by a substantial improvement in both corrosion resistance and hardness. Electrochemical analysis reveals that the Zn–0.04 wt.% Ni–1 wt.% Al coating exhibits the most negative corrosion potential (0.61 V) and the smallest corrosion current density (2.07 μA·cm⁻²). Characterization of the corrosion products reveals that Al helps to stabilize Zn₅(OH)₈Cl₂·H₂O and Zn₅(OH)₆(CO₃)₂, thereby enhancing the corrosion resistance of the coating. Full article

We demonstrate that dopant inhomogeneity strongly suppresses thermal conductivity in Cd/Eu co-doped, non-polar a-plane-oriented ZnO films grown on r-plane sapphire (Al₂O₃) by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. X-ray diffraction confirms the a-plane-oriented ZnO without detectable secondary phases. Cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy shows continuous films with well-defined interfaces, and secondary-ion mass spectrometry depth profiling identifies Cd/Eu incorporation through the film thickness and a sharp Zn/O drop at the substrate interface. Cross-plane thermal transport was measured at room temperature using frequency-domain photothermal infrared radiometry (PTR) and analyzed by fitting the complex PTR amplitude and phase with a multilayer heat-diffusion model. The extracted thermal conductivity ($\kappa$) spans ~3.7–6.3 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹. The lowest $\kappa$ values correlate with increased Eu-distribution inhomogeneity, consistent with enhanced phonon scattering and reduced effective cross-plane heat transport. Full article

The degradation of agricultural soils and the low efficiency of conventional fertilizers pose significant challenges to sustainable agricultural production. In this context, nanobiofertilizers have emerged as a promising alternative for increasing nutrient availability and improving early plant development. This study evaluated the effect of a zinc oxide nanobiofertilizer (NBF-ZnO) synthesized via a green route using Mangifera indica leaf extract on the germination and early growth of maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV-Vis spectroscopy to confirm their structural and optical properties. Subsequently, germination and early growth trials were conducted under four treatments: control, mango extract, conventional fertilizer (Triple 15), and NBF-ZnO, using soil affected by mining activities in the department of Cesar (Colombia). The results showed that the NBF-ZnO treatment achieved the highest germination (93%) and seedling growth (92.5%), outperforming the conventional fertilizer and the other treatments. Statistical analysis using the chi-square test confirmed significant differences between treatments (α = 0.05). These findings suggest that ZnO nanobiofertilizers obtained through green synthesis could represent a promising strategy for enhancing early maize development and contributing to the sustainable management of soils affected by mining activity. Full article