Abstract:
Mg1-xNixO (0.43 ≤ x ≤0.53) nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized via sol-gel methodology by using nitrates as the precursors of metal ions. We present the first report on the synthesis and antibacterial activity of Mg1-xNixO nanoparticles below 100nm range. The effect of thermal treatment on the morphology, structure, composition, particle size, crystallite size and antibacterial activity of the nanoparticles has been explored by annealing at different temperatures i.e.; 500, 600 and 800°C. These studies have been carried out by using SEM, EDX and XRPD techniques. SEM results show that the nanomaterials have a spherical shape with average particle size range from 54-63nm Where, EDX spectra confirm the percentage composition of Ni, Mg and O in the nanoparticles. While XRPD has confirmed the face-centered cubic (FCC) geometry with NaCl-type structure with and negligible change in unit cell volume with variation in Ni contents. The crystallite size ranges from 10.8, 19.27 and 30.17nm and increases with increase in annealing temperature. Smallest particle and crystallite size along with higher oxygen and Mg contents led to strong antibacterial activity for the sample annealed at 500°C. Results of antibacterial activity show their possible utilization for water purification, hydrogels formation and packaging materials.
Key Words: Mg1-xNixO; Nanocomposite; Single Phase; Antibacterial; Water purification.
