Insights into ZnO Nanowires: Synthesis, Optimization, Microstructural, Optical Properties, and Enhanced Antimicrobial Activity

Zinc oxide nanostructures have been successfully synthesized in wire, rod, and belt shapes via the hydrothermal method. It was possible to control the growth of ZnO nanowires (NWs) and give them different shapes by adjusting the preparation parameters, including precursor concentration and surfactant agent. The crystalline structure of ZnO NWs was found to be hexagonal wurtzite using XRD. Unit cell computations and X-ray peak profile analysis were used to survey microstructural features such as crystal size (D) and lattice strain (ɛ). UV–Vis analysis was used to determine optical parameters such as bandgap energy, Urbach energy, and refractive index. ZnO NWs’ excellent crystallinity and purity were validated by Raman spectroscopy. An interesting antimicrobial activity of ZnO NWs against various pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and yeast) was successfully revealed with the following sequences: A. brasiliensis > C. albicans ≥ B. subtilis > S. cerevisiae > P. Aeruginosa. The antibacterial activity of as-synthesized ZnO NWs was demonstrated against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. making them a valuable medicinal ingredient.