Structural Modification
and Performance Enhancement of Zirconium Oxide with Copper Doping for Photo Catalytic
and Antibacterial Applications
Suresh Kumar J., Shyamala P., Gouthamsri S. and Ramanaiah M.
Res. J. Chem. Environ.; Vol. 29(12); 89-103;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/2912rjce0890103; (2025)
Abstract
Zirconium oxide (ZrO2) and copper-doped zirconium oxide (Cu-ZrO2) nanoparticles
(NPs) were synthesized via a sol-gel combustion method to study the influence of
doping on their photocatalytic and antimicrobial properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD)
analysis confirmed a mixed tetragonal and monoclinic phase structure with decreasing
crystallite size at higher dopant concentrations. The NPs were characterized using
FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDX, XPS and UV-Vis spectroscopy. SEM revealed spherical morphology
with minimal agglomeration. Under visible light, Cu-ZrO2 NPs exhibited enhanced
photo- catalytic activity, degrading 96% of malachite green (MG) dye within 120
min. Antimicrobial assays demonstrated superior activity of Cu-ZrO2 against S.aureus,
with an inhibition zone of 8 mm compared to E.coli.
