Influence of Nickel concentration on the photocatalytic dye degradation (methylene blue and reactive red 120) and antibacterial activity of ZnO nanoparticles

This study assessed the synergistic effect of Ni concentration and ultrasonic assisted process on the photocatalytic dye degradation efficiency towards methylene blue (MB) and reactive red 120 (RR120) and antibacterial activity against various bacteria of ZnO nanoparticles. XRD confirms the absence of any other impurity peaks in Nickel (Ni) doped ZnO nanoparticles, disclose that Ni doping influences the lattice structure of Zn. The obvious red-shift with the increase of Ni concentration results in decreased band gap and transmittance. SEM micrograph confirms the formation of hexagonal rod and sheet like nanostructures in the Ni doped ZnO nanoparticles by the ultrasonic assisted co-precipitation method. The Ni doped ZnO nanoparticles control the recombination of charge carriers and increase the photocatalytic degradation of MB and RR120. The antibacterial result revealed that 5% Ni substituted sample is effective as an antibacterial agent to prevent the bacterial contamination. 5% Ni doped ZnO nanoparticles synthesized by ultrasonic assisted coprecipitation method is an excellent candidate for removal of methylene blue and bacteria.