Synthesis, Characterization and Photocatalytic Performance of N-doped Mgo Nanoparticles for Prospective Packaging Use

In this study, magnesium oxide (MgO) and nitrogen-doped magnesium oxide (N-MgO) were synthesized using different precursors, such as magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) and magnesium acetate (Mg (CH3COO)2), through various synthetic procedures. Thanks to its biocompatibility and antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral activity, MgO is considered a promising candidate for active food packaging applications. However, since MgO is a wide-bandgap semiconductor that is only active under UV light, nitrogen doping was introduced to extend its photocatalytic activity into the visible light range. XRD and FTIR analyses confirmed the presence of the cubic MgO phase and revealed structural changes induced by nitrogen doping. Photodegradation tests on a probe molecule (methylene blue) showed that the N-MgO material achieved an efficiency of 97% under visible light, highlighting a significant enhancement in photocatalytic properties compared to undope