Enhanced bioactivity of pure ZnO and ZnO-Ag nanocomposite using sol-gel method for self-cleaning application

Abstract

In the current study, Pure ZnO and Ag-ZnO nanocomposite are established using the sol-gel method with the influence of ammonia solution NH4OH to incorporate Ag ions into ZnO and form Ag-ZnO nanocomposites. Then pure ZnO and Ag-ZnO nanocomposites were annealed at 450oC for tow h in a muffle furaning using temperture controlling, and heat rate was set at temperature 100oC per min. The structural and morphological properties of samples were characterized using XRD, FTIR, and FESEM with Energy dispersive X-rays (EDX). In addition, the antibacterial activity of pure ZnO and AgZnO nanocomposite was evaluated against gram-positive and gram-negative organisms by plate count test. The results of the test revealed strong antibacterial behavior of nanocomposite against bacteria as compared to pure ZnO and improved efficiency of incorporation Ag ion on ZnO.