Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activity of zinc and cerium co-doped α-zirconium phosphate

A series of zinc ions or/and cerium ions co-doped alpha-zirconium phosphate (Zn-Ce@ZrPs) were prepared. The novel Zn-Ce@ZrPs were characterized and the antibacterial activity on Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus were tested. The results showed that zinc ions (Zn2+) or/and cerium ions (Ce3+) were combined with ZrP, and the Ce3+ was adsorbed on the surface of ZrP through hydrogen bonds, while Zn2+ intercalated into the interlayer of ZrP. Zn-Ce@ZrPs showed excellent synergistic antibacterial activity. When Zn2+/Ce3+ atomic ratio was 0.6, the Zn-Ce@ZrP3 showed the highest synergistic antibacterial efficiency, suggesting great potential application as antibacterial agents in microbial control.