Experimental and computational approach of zirconium and chitosan doped NiCo₂O₄ nanorods served as dye degrader and bactericidal action

Different concentrations of zirconium with a fixed quantity (4 wt%) of chitosan (CS) doped nickel cobaltite (NiCo₂O₄) nanorods were synthesized using a co-precipitation approach. This cutting-edge research explores the cooperative effect of Zr-doped CS-NiCo₂O₄ to degrade the Eriochrome black T (EBT) and investigates potent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Advanced characterization techniques were conducted to analyze structural textures, morphological analysis, and optical characteristics of synthesized materials. XRD pattern unveiled the spinal cubic structure of NiCo₂O₄, incorporating Zr and CS peak shifted to a lower 2θ value. UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed the absorption range increased with CS and the same trend was observed upon Zr, showing a decrease in bandgap energy (Eg) from 2.55 to 2.4 eV. The optimal photocatalytic efficacy of doped NiCo₂O₄ within the basic medium was around 96.26 %, and bactericidal efficacy was examined against S. aureus, revealing a remarkable inhibition zone (5.95 mm).