Eco-friendly synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles as nanosensor, nanocatalyst and antioxidant agent using leaf extract of P. austroarabica

•The zinc oxide nanoparticles were effectively green synthesized using the aqueous leaf extract of P. austroarabica.•Green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles have highly fluorescent potential as practical probes for the detection of hazardous metal ions in environmental fields.•The zinc oxide nanoparticles are used as a highly efficient nanocatalyst for decomposing organic dyes.•Green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles have excellent antioxidant activity.