Effects of Fe Concentration on the Structural, Optical and Biological Properties of ZnMgO Nanoparticles

ZnO nanoparticles co-doped with Fe and Mg, denoted as Zn_0.99-xMg_0.01Fe_xO with various compositions (x = 0.00, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, and 0.10), are synthesized using the sol–gel method. The structural, morphological, optical, and blood compatibility of these Zn_0.99-xMg_0.01Fe_xO nanoparticles are investigated. Structural properties are characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is employed to examine the surface morphology. It is determined that all nanoparticles exhibit a single-phase ZnO hexagonal wurtzite structure. SEM images at different magnifications reveal a dense, quasi-spherical, and agglomerated morphology for the (Fe/Mg) co-doped ZnO nanoparticles. The optical properties of the samples are analyzed via a UV spectrophotometer. The energy bandgaps for the nanoparticles are computed and the impact of dopant elements are explored on their optical behavior. The refractive index is determined through five distinct models. Notably, the highest bandgap is observed E_g = 3.23 eV for Zn₀.₉₈Mg₀.₀₁Fe₀.₀₁O and Zn₀.₉₅Mg₀.₀₁Fe₀.₀₄O nanoparticles. Hemolysis tests are conducted to evaluate the blood compatibility of these nanoparticles.