Investigation of Cu Doping Concentration on the Structural and Antimicrobial Properties of TiO₂ Thin Films

¹ Department of Civil, GRIET, Bachupally, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
² Department of Civil Engineering, KG Reddy College of Engineering and Technology, Chilkur(Vil), Moinabad(M), Ranga Reddy(Dist), Hyderabad, 500075, Telangana, India.
³ Uttaranchal University, Dehradun - 248007, India
⁴ Centre of Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University, Rajpura - 140417, Punjab, India
⁵ Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India,
⁶ Chitkara Centre for Research and Development, Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh - 174103 India
⁷ Department of Physics, Research & Incubation Centre, Research & Incubation Centre, Rayat Bahra University, Chandigarh-Ropar NH 205, Greater Mohali, Punjab, 140103, India

^* Corresponding author: srinu.tummala@gmail.com

Abstract

This study aims to examine the microorganism-fighting properties of the thin layers of TiO₂. These TiO₂ film as synthesized through a chemical process, in which different concentrations of copper have been added. The ability of films to inhibit the growth of different types of bacteria and fungi was examined using the disk diffusion technique. TiO₂ films without additives exhibited mild antibacterial action, with inhibition areas varying according to the dose and type of microorganism. In contrast, the films that received a dose of copper showed significant increases in their ability to inhibit bacterial growth. More prominent detention areas were observed when a dose of 60 µg/mL and a doping concentration of 0.1% were used. According to X-ray diffraction tests, it was revealed that the thin films of TiO₂ exhibit a cubic crystalline configuration, indicating their high crystallinity and the variation in the position of the peaks due to the inclusion of copper in their composition. The effectiveness in combating bacteria increased when the size of the crystals was raised from 6.72 nm (undoped) to 8.39 nm in presence of 0.1% copper. Significant changes occurred in the external appearance, as seen in the photographs taken using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The modifications higher concentration of Cu doping, a transformation from smooth surfaces of pure ZnS to rough and porous layers in the films doped with Cu is observed. Specifically, the study reveals that by adding copper to thin films of zinc sulfide, their effectiveness can be enhanced, paving the way for the advancement of materials with antimicrobial properties.