Effect of samarium doping on the structural, morphological, optical, magnetic, and antibacterial traits of CuFe₂O₄ nanomaterials

The current study aims to fabricate CuSmxFe2-xO4 (x = 0.00-0.02) nanoferrites. The prepared nanomaterials attain a tetragonal structure with a space group of D-I41/am. Field emission-scanning electron microscope (FESEM) analysis was incorporated to observe morphology at the surface of the nanoparticles, which confirms the formation of grains with well-defined shape and size. The presence of the six active vibrational modes which further confirms the occupancy of the Cu2+, Sm3+, and Fe3+ ions at interstitial positions. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) inspection confirms the oxidation states of each element in the prepared samples. The vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) study predicts the ferromagnetic nature of all prepared nanomaterials. In addition, the CuF1 sample is effective and produced significant zones of inhibition (ZOI) against both Klebsiella pneumoniae and Bacillus subtilis. With excellent magnetic and antibacterial traits, the resulting nanomaterials are efficient for recording media and in biomedical fields. However, due to their good surface properties, the specimens could also be used for photocatalysis.