The solution plasma synthesis, characterisation, and antibacterial activities of dispersed CuO nanoparticles

In the present research, CuO nanopowders with high dispersivity were synthesised using a solution plasma method. The effect of K2CO3 as an electrolyte on the phase and morphology of the products was examined. The antibacterial activity was investigated by calculating the diameter of the inhibition zone, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC). The XRD results showed that the sample synthesised at a low concentration of K2CO3 had two phases of CuO and Cu(OH)(2), whereas the one prepared at high electrolyte concentrations exhibited copper oxide single phase. The nanoparticles were stable and dispersed up to 10 h in water. The DLS result showed the size distribution starting from 25 to 160 nm, which confirms the powders' high quality prepared by a solution plasma method. The antibacterial result revealed that the synthesised samples are effective as an antibacterial agent to reduce Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus activity.

Automated summary

In this study, copper oxide nanopowders with high dispersity were successfully synthesized using a solution plasma method. The addition of K2CO3 as an electrolyte affected the phase and morphology of the products. The synthesized samples showed effective antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.