Y-doped zinc oxide (YZO) nanoflowers, microstructural analysis and test their antibacterial activity

Self-assembled 3D flower-like yttrium-doped zinc oxide (YZO) microstructures composed of nanorods were prepared by hydrothermal-precipitation, and tested their antibacterial activity. The morphological, structural, and compositional properties of YZO nanoflowers were characterized by various techniques, which confirmed a well-crystallized wurtzite hexagonal phase. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of YZO nanopowder showed the 3d core level spectra of yttrium (Y), which formed by two components at about 158.2 eV (3d_5/2) and 160.4 eV (3d_3/2). The antibacterial activity of YZO nanoflowers were investigated using both gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. Enhancement in antibacterial activity was observed by the incorporation of yttrium (Y: 2 at.%) of nanorod-based-flowers because of increased surface area. The prepared YZO nanocomposite showed potential as an antibacterial agent with applications in controlling the spread of infections and also the ability of fast antibacterial activity which can hinder the re-emergence of infection. - Highlights: • Synthesis of 3D flower-like YZO powder by hydrothermal, and antibacterial activity • XRD and XPS of YZO confirmed that Y replaced Zn interstitial sites. • 3d core level spectra of Y formed by two components at 158.2 eV (3d_5/2) & 160.4 eV (3d_3/2). • YZO-nanorod-based-flower (Y: 2 at.%) showed the best antibacterial activity. • YZO showed potential agent as the antibacterial material with applications in controlling the spread of infections