Green Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles using Aloe Vera Extract and Xanthan Gum as Modifier for Photocatalytic Degradation of Anionic and Cationic Dye in Aqueous Solution

Abstrak

The green synthesis of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles is a simpler, low-energy method that avoids toxic chemicals, making the process more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The green synthesis was performed using aloe vera extract (55% - Aloin), rich in electrons from its hydroxyl groups, as a reducing agent, and natural polysaccharides from xanthan gum to disperse particles and prevent agglomeration. The green synthesis product was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier Transform spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and Diffuse Reflectance UV spectroscopy. The green-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles, both with xanthan gum (ZnO-AL/XG) and without xanthan gum (ZnO-AL), adopted a hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure. The addition of xanthan gum significantly reduced the crystallite size and enhanced the surface homogeneity of the photocatalyst. Over 50% removal of both anionic and cationic dyes was achieved by ZnO-AL/XG for up to 3 uses, and by ZnO-AL for up to 2 uses, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of the aloe vera–xanthan gum-based green synthesis as a sustainable and efficient strategy for producing ZnO nanomaterials applicable in dye wastewater treatment. Copyright © 2026 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).