Optical, structural and antibacterial properties of phase heterostructured Fe₂O₃-CuO-CuFe₂O₄ nanocomposite

The synthesis of the Fe₂O₃-CuO-CuFe₂O₄ nanocomposite was effectively achieved through the sol-gel technique, utilizing ethanol as a reactive fuel. Investigation of the nanocomposite's structure via X-ray Diffraction confirmed the coexistence of Fe₂O₃, CuO, and CuFe₂O₄ phases within the material. The Scherrer equation was applied to determine an average crystallite size ranging from 60 to 95 nm. UV-visible spectroscopy studies suggested the material possesses an approximate energy bandgap of 4 eV. Scanning Electron Microscopy provided insights into the nanocomposite's surface morphology, which exhibited a porous and heterogeneous aggregation of particles in various sizes and shapes. When tested for antibacterial efficacy, the nanocomposite exhibited activity against gram-positive S. aureus with a maximum zone of inhibition (ZOI) measuring 9 mm at the highest concentration, whereas no inhibitory effect was detected against gram-negative E.coli.