Synthesis and characterization of Zr-doped SnS2 nanopowders by a simple soft chemical route towards magnetic and antibacterial applications

Abstract

Zirconium doped SnS2 (SnS2:Zr) nanopowders were synthesized by a simple soft chemical route using SnCl2•2H2O, thiourea (SC(NH2)2) and zirconium oxychloride (ZrOCl2•8H2O) as precursor salts. The thermal behavior, structural, morphological, magnetic and antifungal properties of the synthesized nanopowders was studied and the results obtained are reported in this paper. TG-DTA analysis confirms that both the undoped and doped samples become well crystallized above 377 °C. The undoped and doped samples exhibit hexagonal crystal structure with a strong (1 0 1) preferential growth. The metal sulfide (M-S) stretching frequency is observed from the presence of the peaks at 583 and 538 cm−1 in the FTIR spectra. Increased band gap values have been observed for the doped samples. Ferromagnetic orderings in the form of S-shaped loops are observed for the doped samples. Improved antibacterial efficiency was observed with Zr doping.