Title: Exploring nano-engineered NiO@Barium potassium titanate nanoceramics for advanced wastewater treatment applications

Authors: Bahaa A. Hemdan; Ali B. Abou Hammad; A.M. Mansour; Amany M. El Nahrawy

Addresses: Water Pollution Research Department, Environmental and Climate Changes Institute, National Research Centre, El-Buhouth St., Dokki, P.O. 12622, Cairo, Egypt ' Solid State Physics Department, Physics Research Institute, National Research Centre, 33 El Bohouth St., Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt ' Solid State Physics Department, Physics Research Institute, National Research Centre, 33 El Bohouth St., Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt ' Solid State Physics Department, Physics Research Institute, National Research Centre, 33 El Bohouth St., Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt

Abstract: This study aimed to synthesise NiO co-doped potassium barium titanate nanoceramics with varying NiO concentrations through an acidic sol-gel process and calcination at 700°C. XRD, TEM, SEM, and TGA were used to investigate phase formation, morphology, bandgap, and thermal behaviour. NiO doping reduced the bandgap, enhancing charge carrier transmission by rearranging the band structures between Ti⁴⁺ and Ni²⁺ ions. TGA showed two weight loss events: moisture release at low temperatures and nanoceramic breakdown at high temperatures. Subsequently, the antimicrobial properties of the four different types of synthesised nanocomposites were thoroughly examined, followed by an assessment of their toxicity. The results confirmed that 3NiO@BKT exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against all tested microorganisms, effectively eliminated a complete log count of 6.0. Moreover, 100 ppm 3NiO@BKT was successfully used to disinfect municipal wastewater. The results indicated that all the studied waterborne pathogens were completely inhibited after 120 min of exposure.

Keywords: potassium barium titanate perovskite; optical bandgap; thermogravimetric analysis; TGA; antimicrobial; wastewater management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMATEI.2025.149445

International Journal of Materials Engineering Innovation, 2025 Vol.16 No.4, pp.319 - 342

Received: 16 Sep 2024
Accepted: 26 Nov 2024
Published online: 31 Oct 2025 *

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