Characterisation and Antibacterial Application of Co doped ZnO Thin Films Deposited by SILAR Technique

Abstract

Zinc Oxide (ZnO) and Cobalt (Co) doped ZnO thin films were prepared using SILAR technique. The structural, optical properties and antibacterial activity were analyzed for different Co doping ratio (3%, 5%, 7%) annealed at 250°C. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) pattern exhibits hexagonal structure along with c-axis orientation. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) confirms the occurrence of flower-like structure for ZnO and Spherical shaped structure for Co doped ZnO thin films. Optical properties were studied using UV-Visible spectroscopy and the band gap changes as the doping ratio of Co increases from 3% to 7%. The maximum zone of inhibition was studied against the bacterias E.coli (Gram-negative) and S.aureus (Gram-positive).