Harnessing copper oxide nanoparticles for advanced photocatalytic, antimicrobial, and larvicidal applications.

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) have garnered significant attention due to their multifunctional properties and diverse application areas. The synthesized CuO-NPs were characterized using XRD, SEM, HRTEM, and FTIR. The photocatalytic properties of CuO-NPs were assessed using methylene blue dye degradation under UV light. Various parameters such as pH, initial concentration of MB, and catalyst dose were investigated to determine their effects on photocatalytic efficiency. Kinetic analysis revealed that the degradation process followed a pseudo-first-order model. The antimicrobial efficacy of CuO-NPs was evaluated against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, demonstrating significant activity and providing insights into the underlying antibacterial mechanisms. Additionally, the toxicity of CuO-NPs was tested on Culex pipiens larvae, showing increased mortality rates with higher nanoparticle concentrations. Copper oxide nanoparticles elucidated the larvicidal effect on Culex pipiens. The lethal concentration (LC50) values were determined as 37.61 mg/L for 3rd instar larvae and 8.31 mg/L for 4th instar larvae. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of CuO-NPs’ potential in photocatalysis, antimicrobial applications, and insecticidal properties, contributing to the understanding of their multifunctional roles in various environmental and biological contexts.