Influence of La3+ additions on the phase behaviour and antibacterial properties of ZrO2–SiO2 binary oxides

The present study reports the influence of lanthanum (La3+) content on the phase stability and antibacterial activity of ZrO2–SiO2 binary oxides. Four different concentrations of La3+ additions in ZrO2–SiO2 binary oxides were synthesized using a sol–gel technique. Heat treatment of the synthesized powders resulted in the formation of t-ZrO2 phase at 1000 °C. Heat treatment beyond 1000 °C resulted in the phase degradation of t-ZrO2 to yield m-ZrO2 and ZrSiO4. Results from antibacterial tests confirmed the potential activity of La3+ doped ZrO2–SiO2 binary oxides in countering the microbial invasion.