Synthesis, characterization of Al-doped SnO2 nanoparticles for enhanced dielectric properties and antibacterial activity

Sol-gel derived, Sn(1-x)AlxO2 (x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04 by at.wt) nanoparticles displayed tetragonal rutile structure without any second phase as confirmed by XRay Diffractometer analysis. Reduction in crystallite size was observed with the introduction of Al in SnO2 lattice and sizes were comparable with Williamson-Hall method. Chemical composition was identified by the peaks obtained in FTIR spectrum. XPS studies confirm that Al doping induces large number of oxygen vacancies. The synthesized samples witnessed high dielectric constant and AC conductivity in the order of 2x10(5)-1.2 x 104 & 0.011(Omega m)(-1)-0.1156(Omega m)(-1) respectively. Antibacterial activity tested against G+ and G-bacteria used (S aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and E. coli, Vibrio cholera bacteria] were measured by well diffusion method. Bacterial behaviour was inhibited by Al doped SnO2 nanoparticles as a result of reactive oxygen species generated by oxygen vacancies.