Optical, Structural, Morphological, Antibacterial, and Photodegradation Characteristics of BaxMg0.8−xFe2O4(x = 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6) Nanocrystalline Powders Synthesized by Combustion Method

Abstract

Herein, a series of barium‐doped magnesium ferrites [BaxMg0.8−xFe2O4(x = 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6)] with metal nitrates and egg white solution are prepared to show how simultaneous substitution of divalent cations affects the structural, morphological, antibacterial, and photocatalytic capabilities of ferrites. A cubic spinel and hexagonal structures are discovered through a wide particle size dispersion in the sample. The infrared (IR) spectra of the octahedral and tetrahedral sites exhibit two prominent absorption bands about 576 and 450 cm−1. With increasing Ba2+doping, the optical band gaps decreased from 6 to 5.6 eV. The elemental analysis of Ba, Mg, Fe, and O is confirmed using energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) studies reveal the formation of spherical nanoparticles along with some hexagonal structures. For antibacterial studies, BaxMg0.8−xFe2O4nanoparticles are tested against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. The photodegradation test of the produced nanoparticles for the degradation of Congo red and methylene blue dyes is examined under ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation.