Structural, Photocatalytic, and Antibacterial Evaluation of Cu-Doped ZnMn₂O₄ Nanoparticles

Authors

  • Saida Soualmi Laboratory of Synthesis and Catalysis, University of Ibn Khaldoun Tiaret, Tiaret, Algeria https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4858-8695
  • Meriem Henni Laboratory of Synthesis and Catalysis, University of Ibn Khaldoun Tiaret, Tiaret, Algeria
  • Leila Djahnit Chemistry Department, Faculty of Exact Sciences and Informatics, University Hassiba Benbouali Chlef (UHBC), Chlef, Algeria; Renewable Energy and Materials Laboratory, University of Medea, Medea, Algeria
  • Maroua Bouzegaou Laboratory of Synthesis and Catalysis, University of Ibn Khaldoun Tiaret, Tiaret, Algeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31489/2959-0663/4-25-3

Keywords:

spinel, synthesis, nanomaterials, photocatalysis, doping, antibacterial, sol-gel, copper

Abstract

In this study, the impact of doping ZnMn2O4 spinel nanoparticles with different proportions of copper (Cu) was investigated for the first time. The nanomaterials were synthesized via sol-gel method and characterized structurally, optically, and morphologically. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of a pure tetragonal spinel phase, with no secondary phases detected. Successful incorporation of Cu²⁺ ions into the ZnMn2O4 lattice was confirmed by shifts in peak positions and intensities. FTIR analysis revealed distinct Zn–O and Mn–O vibrations, confirming the structural integrity of the spinel. The optical band gap, estimated via Tauc plots, decreased from 2.61 eV for undoped ZnMn2O4 to 1.58 eV for 3 % Cu-doped samples, indicating improved light absorption properties. SEM analysis showed that Cu doping induced increased porosity and particle agglomeration. Photocatalytic activity was evaluated through the degradation of Methylene Blue under visible light; notably, the sample with 1 % Cu achieved an efficiency of 87.7 %. Furthermore, the doped nanoparticles exhibited strong antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with pronounced inhibition observed against E. coli. These findings highlight the multifunctionality of Cu-doped ZnMn2O4 for environmental and biomedical applications.

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Structural, Photocatalytic, and Antibacterial Evaluation of Cu-Doped ZnMn2O4 Nanoparticles

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Published

2025-11-26

How to Cite

Soualmi, S., Henni, M., Djahnit, L., & Bouzegaou, M. (2025). Structural, Photocatalytic, and Antibacterial Evaluation of Cu-Doped ZnMn₂O₄ Nanoparticles. EURASIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY. https://doi.org/10.31489/2959-0663/4-25-3

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Copyright (c) 2024 Saida Soualmi, Meriem Henni, Leila Djahnit, Maroua Bouzegaou

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