Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of multifunctional ZnO nanomaterials

Abstract Multifunctional ZnO nanomaterials are synthesized by hydrothermal method for protective coating and antimicrobial applications. Different nanostructures of ZnO are achieved by controlling the pH of the growth solution in the range 3–11 (acidic to alkali). ZnO nanostructures of different pH value are evaluated for hydrophobic property using static contact angle measurement system and antibacterial activity on gram negative bacteria. Among all morphologies grown at different pH values, ZnO nanorods show superhydrophobic nature. In order to understand the interaction and effect of ZnO nanomaterials on bacterial cell, FESEM study is carried out with microbial cells treated at 1% nanomaterial concentration.