Effect of Mg doping level on the antibacterial activity of (Mg + F)-doped ZnO nanopowders synthesized using a soft chemical route

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.

Keywords:

• nanoparticles
• biological applications
• SEM
• antibacterial activity
• luminescence
• FTIR

Acknowledgements

Financial support from the University Grants Commission of India through the Major Research Project (F. No. 40-28/2011(SR)) is gratefully acknowledged.