Işık, MehmetRadja,I.Khane,Y.Oliveira,M.C.Longo,E.Ribeiro,R.A.P.Isik,M.Mansoob Khan,M.Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering2024-09-102024-09-10202400272-884210.1016/j.ceramint.2024.07.1502-s2.0-85199775190https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2024.07.150https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14411/7398This study investigates Ho-doped tin disulfide (Ho-SnS2) thin films prepared via spray coating, focusing on varying Ho doping levels (0 at. %, 2 at. %, and 4 at. %). Structural analysis through XRD and SEM showcased enhanced crystallinity and morphology in Ho-SnS2 films. Raman and XPS studies provided insight into the film's composition and chemical states. The antibacterial properties of the films were investigated using a bacterial growth inhibition assay. The results showed significant antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, highlighting the potential applications of Ho-SnS2 thin films in antibacterial coatings. Ho-SnS2 films exhibited superior photocatalytic activity and antibacterial properties compared to SnS2 films, attributed to efficient charge separation. DFT analysis proposed a mechanism for the antibacterial activity. These findings highlight the efficacy of the spray coating technique in producing Ho-SnS2 films and the potential of Ho-SnS2 films for diverse applications like photocatalysis and antibacterial coatings. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessAntibacterial propertiesHo-doped SnS₂Holmium-doped SnS₂ thin filmsOptical propertiesPhotocatalytic activitySpray coatingStructural characterizationArticleQ1N/A