Revealing the Multifunctionality of Phytochemically Synthesized (Cu-La) Co-Doped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

Abstract

Abstract. In this work, ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared using Thymus vulgaris extract and modified through copper doping and copper–lanthanum co-doping. Structural analyses (XRD, Raman, FTIR, SEM) confirmed the wurtzite crystal phase with polyhedral morphology across all samples. Distinct performance trends were observed depending on the doping strategy. Cu–ZnO demonstrated the highest insecticidal efficacy against Myzus persicae , achieving complete mortality within four days, and exhibited superior photocatalytic activity, removing 86.3% of methylene blue within one hour under visible light. In contrast, Cu–La–ZnO displayed enhanced antibacterial performance, producing the largest inhibition zones against Staphylococcus aureus (17 mm), Escherichia coli (15 mm), and Salmonella typhimurium (16 mm). These findings suggest that copper doping predominantly promotes reactive oxygen species generation, favoring insecticidal and photocatalytic functions, while the synergistic incorporation of lanthanum enhances antibacterial interactions.