Synthesis and structure characterization of ZnTiO3 nanoparticles and their antibacterial performances on silk fabrics

Abstract

Nanomaterials are favored choices for antibacterial applications. ZnTiO3 nanoparticles, characterized by advantageous properties like small size, large surface area, and unique physicochemical attributes, represent a novel class of antibacterial active materials. In this study, we synthesized and characterized ZnTiO3 nanoparticles using the molten-salt method (MSS). The effect of various parameters, such as reaction temperature, size, and purity of products, was investigated. Additionally, the impact of ZnTiO3 nanoparticles on antibacterial activity in natural fabrics was studied. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and X-ray Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). The XRD results revealed that the particles exhibited high phase purity at 100% and good crystallinity. A crystalline pure perovskite phase of ZnTiO3 was formed at 700°C. The particle size of ZnTiO3 powder at the optimum temperature is 119 nm with a spherical-like shape. The modified fabric with ZnTiO3 and B7 demonstrated an excellent reduction of 100% in bacterial colonies. The results of this study demonstrate that ZnTiO3 synthesis using MSS is a simple and environmentally friendly method for achieving antibacterial activity in natural fabrics.