Coating of glass with ZnO via ultrasonic irradiation and a study of its antibacterial properties

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were synthesized and deposited on the surface of glass slides using ultrasound irradiation. The structure and morphology of the nanoparticles were studied as a function of the synthesis time. The deposited film was analyzed using characterization methods such as XRD, SEM, AFM, and optical spectroscopy. Zinc oxide submicron crystals with an average diameter of ∼300 nm strongly adhered to the glass surface. This method is fast, simple, convenient, economical, and environmentally friendly. The antibacterial activities of the ZnO–glass composites were tested against Escherichia coli (Gram negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive) cultures. A significant bactericidal effect, even in a 0.13% coated glass (wt.%), was demonstrated.