Green synthesis of carbon doped ZrO₂ nanoparticles using Chrysopogon zizanioides extract for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

Zirconium oxide (ZrO₂) nanoparticles, known for their high stability and mechanical strength, were improved via carbon doping to enhance photocatalytic performance. In the present study, carbon-doped ZrO₂ (C-ZrO₂) nanoparticles were synthesized through a green hydrothermal method using Chrysopogon zizanioides (vetiver) root extract as a natural carbon precursor, followed by calcination method. Characterization techniques such as XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, and UV-Vis, confirmed the formation of monoclinic ZrO₂ with successful carbon incorporation, nanoscale size (10-30 nm), and porous morphology. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated using methylene blue dye under UV-visible irradiation, achieving 96% degradation efficiency. The enhanced performance was attributed to the band gap narrowing and reduced electron-hole recombination induced by carbon doping. These findings highlighted a sustainable and efficient approach for developing C-ZrO₂ nanomaterials for wastewater treatment applications.