Biological investigation of sonochemically synthesized CZTS nanoparticles

Abstract

Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) nanoparticles (NPs) are synthesized by sonochemical technique. The composition analysis showed the synthesized NPs to be stoichiometric. The X-ray diffraction confirms the CZTS phase and tetragonal unit cell structure. Three peaks corresponding to CZTS have been observed in Raman spectroscopy positioned at 293.47 cm−1, 373.8 cm−1, and 336.67 cm−1. The electron diffraction in the selected area showed faded rings with spot patterns indicating crystalline nature. The CZTS NPs have a direct optical bandgap of 1.62 eV, being ascertained by optical absorbance spectroscopy. The CZTS NPs antibacterial activity is determined against pathogenic gram-negative (E. coli, P. aeruginosa, P. vulgaris, and E. aerogenes) and gram-positive (S. aureus) bacteria by measuring the inhibition zone. The 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay is employed in deciding the antioxidant efficacy of CZTS NPs. The cytotoxicity of CZTS NPs is evaluated in Brine shrimp (Artemia salina) eggs hatched in synthetic seawater made from 38 g/l commercial sea salt. The findings are discussed in detail.

Keywords

• Cu2ZnSnS4
• Nanoparticles
• Cytotoxicity
• Antibacterial
• Anti-oxidant