Zinc molybdenum thiovanadate nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization, and antibacterial activity
1Department of Nanomedicine Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University P. O. Box 1982 31441 Dammam Saudi Arabia fsalahmari@iau.edu.sa.
RSC Advances
|January 7, 2026
Summary
New zinc, molybdenum, and vanadium sulfide nanoparticles show significant antimicrobial activity against waterborne Gram-negative bacteria. These nanoparticles are promising for water treatment applications to prevent bacterial diseases.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Inorganic Chemistry
Background:
- Infection control is crucial in healthcare.
- Nanosized metal derivatives show potential for antimicrobial applications.
- Developing novel antimicrobial agents is essential for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize novel sulfide nanoparticles containing zinc (Zn), molybdenum (Mo), and vanadium (V).
- To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of the synthesized ZnMoVS4 nanoparticles against waterborne Gram-negative bacteria.
- To explore the potential of these nanoparticles for water treatment applications.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of ZnMoVS4 nanoparticles.
- Structural and morphological characterization using Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM), and High-Angle Annular Dark-Field Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (HAADF-STEM).
- Elemental composition and oxidation state analysis using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS).
- Antimicrobial activity testing against Escherichia coli, Salmonella choleraesuis, and Shigella flexneri.
Main Results:
- ZnMoVS4 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized with a cubic close-packed spinel structure (space group F4̄3m) and a crystallite size of 16.86 nm.
- Characterization confirmed the nanoscale size, crystallinity, morphology, and elemental composition of the nanoparticles.
- The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against all tested Gram-negative bacteria, with notable efficacy against Escherichia coli.
Conclusions:
- The synthesized ZnMoVS4 nanoparticles possess a well-defined crystalline structure and nanoscale dimensions.
- These nanoparticles demonstrate potent antimicrobial properties against key waterborne pathogens.
- ZnMoVS4 nanoparticles represent a promising new class of antimicrobial agents for water purification and disease prevention.
