Structural, optical and magnetic properties along with antifungal activity of Ag-doped Ni-Co nanoferrites synthesized by eco-friendly route

An innovative Aloe Vera-aided combustion approach was used to produce silver-substituted Ni-Co nano ferrites (Ni0.4AgxCo0.6-xFe2O4, where x = 0.1 to 0.6) and examined the structural and magnetic characteristics as well as their antifungal effect. The addition of Silver (Ag) to the Ni-Co spinel cubic structure increased the unit cell's size, and raised the lattice parameter value (a). The obtained powders have crystallite size between 19 and 21 nm. SEM (Scanning electron microscopy) micrographs showed the agglomeration and TEM (Transmission electron microscopy) confirmed the spherical shape of the ferrite nanoparticles. The substitution of Ag had an impact on the powders' coercivity (Hc) and saturation magnetization (sigma s). The saturation magnetization value was observed to decrease from 44.29 emu/g to 18.05 emu/g and coercivity decreases from 2029 Oe to 371 Oe. UV-Vis absorbance spectra for all the samples displayed absorbance between 200 and 300 nm, and the band gap values of 2 eV to 3 eV were noted from the absorbance spectra's Tauc plot. This band gap was found to increase with Ag concentration. The Ni0.4Ag0.6Fe2O4 ferrite nanoparticles showed exceptional antifungal action toward the C. albicans cells and from this study it can be concluded that these nanoparticles can be transformed into drugs that inhibit fungi infections.