Zinc Supported on White Carbon Black Containing Cerium as Antibacterial Material

The antimicrobial effect of the Zn-white carbon black containing cerium was investigated. The sol–gel method was used to prepare the white carbon black carrier. Zn²⁺ was selected to be the antibacterial ion, and cerous nitrate was selected to be the additive. They were synthesized on the white carbon black carrier. The structures and properties of antibacterial material were characterized by inductively coupled plasma (ICP), particle size measurement instrument, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques and enumeration tests (Escherichia coli as experimental bacteria). The result showed that the amount of bacteriostasis rate of this new material is higher than that of the general Zn-antibacterial white carbon black (without containing cerium). Bacteriostasis rate is over 95%. In addition, Zn²⁺ is bound to white carbon black by ion exchange process. Other advantages of this material are its loose and dispersive structure, good thermal and light stability. From the antibacterial experiment in rubber and the coating surface of metal, this new material show promising results.