Molecular energy transfer: utilizing biogenically-synthesized ZnMnO nanoparticles from seeds for photoluminescence, adsorption, and photocatalytic applications.

The green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) has emerged as a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical approaches, primarily due to the use of phytochemicals as reducing and stabilizing agents. In the present study, bimetallic ZnMnO nanoparticles were synthesized a green combustion method employing (peanut) seed powder as a natural fuel source. The synthesized ZnMnO NPs were systematically characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM, BET, UV-Vis, and PL spectroscopy to elucidate their structural, morphological, and optical properties. Distinct bluish-green fluorescence was observed under short-wave UV irradiation (254 nm), enabling their application in latent fingerprint visualization. The multifunctional performance of the ZnMnO NPs was further demonstrated in environmental applications. The materials exhibited enhanced adsorption (63% ± 0.2%) and photocatalytic degradation (79% ± 0.3%) efficiencies against Methylene Blue (MB) dye under UV irradiation, with results statistically significant ( < 0.05). In addition, the NPs effectively reduced toxic Cr(vi) ions in aqueous media, highlighting their potential as efficient detoxification agents. Overall, this work demonstrates a novel, green synthesis route for ZnMnO nanoparticles that uniquely integrates environmental remediation and forensic applications. The dual functionality addressing both pollutant degradation/detoxification and forensic fingerprint visualization positions this study as a rare and innovative contribution to the field of nanotechnology.