Exploring the structural features and antimicrobial functionality of Mg0.95Cu0.05O nanoparticles

Copper-doped magnesium oxide (MgₓCu₁₋ₓO) nanoparticles with x = 0.97 were synthesized via a sol-gel method, targeting enhanced structural and antibacterial properties. The synthesized nanoparticles were structurally characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), confirming a cubic crystal structure with a crystallite size of 17 nm. Optical properties were examined through UV-Vis spectroscopy, revealing a bandgap energy (Eg) of 2.86 eV, indicating potential applications in optoelectronic devices. Antibacterial activity was assessed using the agar diffusion method, with the nanoparticles exhibiting significant efficiency against Escherichia coli, forming a prominent inhibition zone of 23 mm. The synthesis involved dissolving magnesium and copper precursors in distilled water, followed by gelation using citric acid, and calcination at 500 °C. Detailed characterization through XRD, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and antibacterial testing highlights the potential of MgₓCu₁₋ₓO nanoparticles in antimicrobial applications. These findings suggest the suitability of Cu-doped MgO nanoparticles as a promising material for biomedical and environmental applications.