Multifunctional silver-doped strontium hexaferrite nanoparticles: Magnetic, optical, photocatalytic, and antimicrobial properties
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The magnetic Strontium hexaferrite nanoparticles (SrFe 12 O 19 ) decorated with Silver (Ag) catalyst were designed to degrade Rhodamine B and Congo Red dyes, as well as to explore their antibacterial activity against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli. These nanoparticles were synthesized using a microwave-assisted combustion method, resulting in a series of Ag-decorated SrFe 12 O 19 Nanoparticles. Characterization through PXRD, UV–visible DRS, Raman spectroscopy, and FE-SEM/TEM confirmed the formation of M-type hexagonal SrFe 12 O 19 with uniformly distributed Ag NPs. The addition of Ag influenced the magnetic and optical properties of the SrFe 12 O 19 , with a slight decrease in optical band gaps and a reduction in saturation magnetization from 84 to 71 emu/g as Ag content increased to 10 wt%. Although the Ag decoration did not enhance the photocatalytic activity of SrFe 12 O 19 for dye degradation under visible light, the photocatalysts were magnetically separable and reusable without significant efficiency loss. Moreover, the heterojunction exhibited a disinfection capacity that was five times quicker than the individual catalysts, highlighting its potential for environmental and antibacterial applications. Schematic representation of Ag-decorated SrFe 12 O 19 nanoparticles synthesized via microwave-assisted combustion, showcasing their magnetic separability, photocatalytic dye degradation, and enhanced antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli . • Ag-SrFe₁₂O₁₉ synthesized via microwave-assisted combustion, ensuring controlled morphology and enhanced properties. • Ag doping narrowed the band gap, optimizing the material for catalysis and antibacterial applications. • The catalysts showed strong magnetic separability and reusability with no efficiency loss. • Ag-SrFe₁₂O₁₉ heterojunction exhibited excellent antibacterial activity. • These multifunctional nanoparticles enable magnetic recovery, dye degradation, and antibacterial action.
Source: Chemistry of Inorganic Materials
Authors: Koustav Ganguly, Priyambada Mahapatra, Chirasmayee Mohanty, Chaitali Das, Alaka Samal, Ranjan Kumar Sahu, Nigamananda Das
Institutions: National Metallurgical Laboratory, Utkal University
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,280
OpenAlex ID: W4407874151