Multifunctional Applications of Gd-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles Prepared Easily by the Coprecipitation Method

Abstract

The present work involves the preparation of pure ZnO and gadolinium-doped ZnO nanoparticles with the general formula Gd_xZn_1−xO (X = 0–0.05) by wet chemical coprecipitation technique. XRD outcomes confirmed that these nanoparticles exhibited a hexagonal wurtzite structure of zinc oxide lacking any secondary phase. The calculated average crystallite size declined from 33 to 28 nm. Through SEM analysis, the shape and morphology of the sample were determined, which showed nanoflakes-like structures, and EDS analysis confirmed the elemental composition of Gd-doped ZnO nanoparticles. UV–vis DRS spectral studies indicate good optical capabilities with a decline in the bandgap from 3.4 to 2.6 eV with an incline in doping concentration. Photoluminescence studies exhibited a green emission peak at 378 nm. Additionally, photodegradation of these nanoparticles was assessed through degradation of MB dye, which showed 94% of dye degradation. Synthesized nanoparticles show good electrochemical performance in CV studies. Pure ZnO and Gd-ZnO were examined against Gram-positive Enterococcus faecalis and Gram-negative Escherichia coli bacteria, and it was initiated that the zone of inhibition of antibacterial activity improved with gadolinium doping compared to the pure ZnO nanoparticles.