Synthesis of CuO–ZnO composite nanoparticles by electrical explosion of wires and their antibacterial activities

Abstract

Therefore, researchers devote special attention to the search of new composite nanoparticles for biomedical applications. In this research CuO–ZnO composite nanoparticles was synthesized by electrical explosion of cooper and zinc wires in oxygen containing atmosphere. The atomic ratio of metals in the nanoparticles was regulated by varying the wire diameters. The as-synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by powder x-ray diffraction analysis, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy techniques, sedimentation method, micro electrophoresis and adsorption of nitrogen (BET method). The particles are mostly spherical or close to spherical shape. In the x-ray diffraction patterns of the synthesized nanoparticles the main reflexes correspond to the phases of ZnO and CuO. Furthermore, antibacterial activity of ZnO–CuO nanoparticles against Escherchia coli (ATCC 25922) and MRSA (ATCC 43300) were studied, using agar diffusion test and micro dilution assay. Theses result showed synthesized CuO–ZnO nanoparticles have efficient antibacterial activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria and exceed the antibacterial activity of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles.