Synthesis, Structural and Antibacterial Activity of Zn1-xNixFe2O4 Nanoparticles

Abstract

In present work, nickel doped zinc ferrite nanoparticles were prepared via hydrothermal technique. The prepared nanopowders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscope (FTIR), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and antimicrobial activity. The XRD analysis revealed that the presence of sharp diffraction peaks and cubic-structure of the prepared samples. SEM analysis revealed that there is a significant degree of agglomeration in the samples, whereas VSM studies revealed the magnetic behaviour and cation distribution in the prepared samples. The prepared nanopowder has also been evaluated for its antimicrobial properties against Gram-negative bacteria (Enterobacter aerogenes) and Gram-positive bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis). An increasing in the ratio of nickel to zinc in ferrite nanoparticles led to an evident rise in their activity. These nanoparticles with enhanced structure and antimicrobial properties could find applications in hygiene, therapeutic and textile fields.