Composition and antibacterial properties of newly developed layered perovskite/W-hexaferrite nanocomposite materials

Abstract This paper discusses the synthesis of W-type hexaferrite and lanthanum perovskite nanoparticles using the auto-combustion method. Structural analysis conducted through X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) confirms the formation of polycrystalline nanoparticles exhibiting W-type hexaferrite (HF) and orthorhombic perovskite structures. Optical characterization via UV-visible spectroscopy reveals band gaps of 3.2 eV for direct transitions and 2.2 eV for indirect transitions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images illustrate the microstructure, showing grains with prominent hexagonal faces and a spongy morphology, with sizes ranging from 40 to 70 nm. Additionally, antiferromagnetic properties are demonstrated by the hysteresis loop obtained from vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) measurements. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the nanosized composite BaCo 2 Fe 16 O 27 and LaFeO 3 have been evaluated against various gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains.