Characterization of tin oxide nanoparticles synthesized by discharging the non-thermal plasma jet in liquid and their application as an antibacterial agent

Abstract

This study reports the synthesis of tin oxide nanoparticles using a non-thermal plasma jet technique. Spectroscopic analysis (OES) of plasma was carried out at atmospheric pressure to measure the plasma parameters used in the synthesis of nanoparticles. SnO₂ NPs were synthesized at different durations (3 and 5 min) using a DC-high-voltage power source with a voltage of 13 kV.

X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that SnO₂ NPs, prepared in 3 min, are rutile tetragonal polycrystalline and have an average crystallite size of 12.45 nm. Field emission scanning electron (FE-SEM) images also show that the nanoparticles are spherical and homogenous, with an average nanostructure diameter of 22 to 58 nm for both (3 and 5 min) preparation times. UV–Vis spectroscopy showed peaks of surface plasmon resonance around 255–260 nm. The ICP-mass technique was used to evaluate nanoparticle concentrations, which were between 90–100 μg/ml. Zeta potential (ZP) measurements revealed that the particles are relatively stable colloids. The study shows that synthesized nanoparticles have exceptional antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. These nanoparticles are low-cost, scalable, and can be synthesized using gas or liquid phases, enabling the synthesis of a wide range of nanoparticles suitable for various pathogenic bacterial types.