Chemically prepared p-type Sn doped ZnO nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization and its antibacterial properties

[Display omitted] •The increasing Sn concentration increases crystallite size and reduces the strain.•The band gap is red-shifted due to the addition of Sn.•The Hall coefficient decreases non-linearity as the Sn concentration increases.•It has antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and -negative bacteria. The undoped and transition metal doped ZnO nanoparticles are prepared by the chemical precipitation method. Transition metal Sn is chosen as the dopant. The doping concentration of Sn is varied from 0 % to 15 % and the effects of the doping concentration of Sn on structural, optical and antibacterial properties are discussed. The increasing Sn doping concentration increases crystallite size and reduces the strain of the nanoparticles. The band gap is red-shifted due to the addition of Sn. Irrespective of the doping concentration, the hole concentration is larger than the electron concentration. The observed Hall coefficient is in the order of 10−8 m3 C−1, and it decreases non-linearity as the Sn concentration increases. The refractive index also depends on the doping concentration. The doping of Sn enhanced the zone of inhibition against E. coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa. It has been observed that the ZnO nanoparticles doped with Sn have impressive antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.