ZnO and Fe-doped ZnO nanoparticles: Their antibacterial and photocatalytic activities

Title : ZnO and Fe-doped ZnO nanoparticles: Their antibacterial and photocatalytic activities

Abstract:

ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) hold substantial promise due to their remarkable optical properties. However, some inherent limitations, like aggregation, aquatic toxicity, and potential harm to organisms etc. are limiting their widespread application. This study addresses all these challenges by exploring Fe-doping as a promising strategy in the optimization of ZnO NPs for their use as photocatalysts and antimicrobial agents. Utilizing the sol-gel method, NPs of pure ZnO and Fe-doped ZnO were synthesized and characterized through the XRD, FTIR, SEM, and EDX techniques. Spectral analyses revealed that NPs of both types were of single-phase wurtzite structure and Fe-doping of ZnO NPs has tailored the morphology by transforming the spherical forms into unique dumbbell-shaped structures. Crystallinity, crystallite size, lattice parameters, unit cell volume, strain, dislocation density, bond length, and atomic packing fraction (APF) of the NPs were also determined. NPs of both types exhibited significant broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria and excellent photocatalytic efficiency, degrading Eosin Yellow by 91.29% for ZnO NPs and 98.51% for Fe-doped ZnO NPs. The overall findings lead to suggest that the prepared NPs, especially those of the Fe-doped ZnO are of great potential as antimicrobial materials and also promising as photocatalytic agents for wastewater treatment. 

Keywords: Nanoparticle, Doping, Sol-gel method, ZnO, and Fe-doped ZnO.

Audience Take Away Notes:

• Fe-Doping Enhances ZnO Nanoparticle Properties: The audience will learn how introducing iron (Fe) into zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles leads to unique dumbbell-shaped morphology with improved crystallinity, and enhanced antibacterial and photocatalytic activities
• Sol-Gel Method for Nanoparticle Synthesis: Attendees will gain insights into the sol-gel method as an effective technique for creating both pure and Fe-doped ZnO nanoparticles with controlled characteristics
• Broad-Spectrum Antibacterial Activity: The presentation will highlight the significant antibacterial effects of these nanoparticles against various pathogenic bacteria, offering potential applications in medical devices and wound care
• Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation: The audience will learn about the superior catalytic ability of Fe-doped ZnO nanoparticles to degrade Eosin Yellow dye under UV light, demonstrating their potential for wastewater treatment and environmental cleanup
• Correlation Between Structure and Function: The research will emphasize how the structural changes induced by Fe-doping directly influence the nanoparticles' functionality, offering a deeper understanding of the relationship between composition and performance
• Researchers: Faculty and researchers can utilize this knowledge further to investigate Fe-doping strategies in other nanomaterials, explore additional applications (like heavy metal removal), and develop novel antimicrobial and photocatalytic materials
• Industry Professionals: Engineers and scientists in industries like water treatment, environmental remediation, and medical device manufacturing can leverage these findings to develop innovative products and processes
• Educators: This research can be incorporated into materials science, nanotechnology, and environmental engineering curricula to illustrate nanoparticle synthesis and characterization for real-world applications
• Researchers: Expand their research portfolio, publish findings, and potentially secure funding for further exploration in this particular field
• Industry Professionals: Develop cutting-edge products and technologies that address pressing environmental and health concerns
• Educators: Enhance their teaching materials with relevant and impactful research examples.
• The study provides a solid foundation for exploring other dopants for ZnO nanoparticles, investigating different methods of synthesis, and examining the impact of varying dopant concentration. It also offers a compelling case study for teaching concepts in materials science, nanotechnology, and environmental engineering
• The research directly addresses the challenges particularly those associated with traditional ZnO nanoparticles (aggregation, toxicity) by demonstrating the advantages of Fe-doping. This knowledge can simplify the design process for creating effective and safe antimicrobial and photocatalytic materials
• The study provides valuable insights into the correlation between structural properties (crystallite size, morphology) and functional performances (antibacterial, photocatalytic) of the Fe-doped ZnO nanoparticles. This information is crucial for designing materials with targeted properties for specific applications

List all other benefits:

• Contributes to the ever growing knowledge in the realm of nanomaterials
• Promotes sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions for pollution control
• Offers potential advancements in medical and healthcare technologies

Biography:

Mr. Wahidur Raza obtained his B.Sc. Honours in Chemistry in 2020 and M.S. in Physical Chemistry in 2021 from the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh. His M.Sc. research, conducted at the Nanotechnology, Renewable Energy, and Catalysis Laboratory (NRCL), Department of Chemistry, University of Chittagong, is focused on synthesizing and characterizing doped nanoparticles for pollutant degradation and antibacterial applications. Mr. Raza analyzed the XRD, SEM, EDX, and FTIR data of both pure and Fe-doped ZnO nanoparticles. He has authored two publications, including a review paper and a book chapter.