Synthesis and characterization of ZnO and CuO coatings for antibacterial and antiviral applications.

Copper oxide (CuO) and Zinc oxide (ZnO), coating have attracted attention for their potential antiviral properties, including their ability to combat virus. This study focuses on the development and characterization of self-disinfecting surface passivation films composed of CuO and ZnO, obtained using the spin-coating technique. The research aims to develop surfaces that can actively eliminate harmful microorganisms, reducing the risk of infections, while also offering strong mechanical resistance and adhesion to withstand external factors, which is crucial for ensuring long-term effectiveness. Additionally, the microstructural properties of the elaborated films were analyzed using SEM/EDS, which stands for Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy and X-Ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The mechanical behavior was assessed through Vickers hardness and scratch resistance tests. It was found a dense and homogeneous thin films. The hardness of CuO and ZnO films were 11.14 ± 0.04 GPa, and 8.89 ± 0.04 GPa respectively. Therefore, scratching tests revealed high adhesion properties with a critical load L C1 of 1.89 ± 0.02 N and 1.04 ± 0.02 N for CuO and ZnO films respectively. Then, this study revealed that CuO and ZnO films exhibit excellent antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, as well as outstanding antiviral activity against the HSV-2 virus. [Display omitted] • Nanometric CuO and ZnO thin films show a dense and homogeneous microstructure. • CuO and ZnO coatings demonstrate high antimicrobial and antiviral properties. • Thin films exhibited good resistance to scratching indicating strong adhesion to their substrates. • CuO and ZnO films exhibit good mechanical resistance, which is essential to fully benefit from their antimicrobial and antiviral properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]