Zn doped CdO nanoparticles: Structural, morphological, optical, photocatalytic and anti-bacterial properties.

Pure and zinc-doped CdO NPs (Zn-CdO NPs) were synthesized through a facile co-precipitation method. The structural, morphology, chemical composition, optical and antibacterial activity of the NPs were studied with respect to pure and Zn-doped CdO concentration (0-7.5mol.%). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images reveal that pure and Zn-doped CdO NPs were in the nano-scale regime with different crystalline morphology. The energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) spectrum predicts the presence of Cadmium (Cd), Zinc (Zn) and Oxygen (O) in the prepared samples. Optical studies divulge that Zn doping CdO decreases the band gap energy (Eg) (3.36-3.02eV) with an increase in Zn doping concentration. Optical absorption spectrum of CdO red-shifted as the Zn concentration varied from 2.5mol.% to 7.5mol.%. PL spectra displayed a strong UV emission peak at 380nm. Enhanced Visible emission at 430 and 522nm with Zn doping interprets the defect density in CdO by occupying Cd vacancies with Zn ions. Photocatalytic studies revealed that 7.5% Zn-doped CdO NPs show maximum degradation for atrazine (ATZ) as herbicide pollution under UV irradiation. Antibacterial studies against (Gram positive) and (Gram negative) bacteria's authenticate that Zn doped CdO nanostructures exhibit excellent antibacterial activity against all bacteria's with an increase in doping concentration.