Abstract
ZnO nanopowders simultaneously doped with fluorine (20 at.%) and magnesium (4, 8, 12 and 16 at.%) (ZnO:F:Mg) have been synthesized using an inexpensive simple soft chemical route for the first time. The effect of Mg doping level on certain physical properties and antibacterial activities of ZnO:F:Mg nanopowders has been investigated and reported. XRD studies showed that the products have the hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO. Fourier transform infrared spectra authenticate the presence of MgO stretching vibration, which is responsible for the increased antibacterial activity of the synthesized samples. The antibacterial activity of ZnO:F:Mg nanopowders was found to be enhanced with increase in Mg doping level as it causes a reduction in the grain size.
Acknowledgements
Financial support from the University Grants Commission of India through the Major Research Project (F. No. 40-28/2011(SR)) is gratefully acknowledged.