Self-assembled zinc oxide hierarchical structures with enhanced antibacterial properties from stacked chain-like zinc oxalate compounds

Abstract

Single ZnO crystallites assembled into porous hierarchical structures have been prepared by topotactic thermal decomposition of in situ obtained zinc oxalate precursors, whose synthesis involves a redox reaction between 1,2-ethanediol and nitrate ion. For the first time it was demonstrated that post-synthesis protocols of the precursors (e.g. ultrasound irradiation, hydrolytic decomposition) master the hydrogen bonds formed between oxalate chains, allowing that way the adjustment of materials properties (morphology, porosity and optical) and a rational introduction of different dopants (Eu³⁺/Er³⁺). The ZnO surface reactivity is confirmed by the significant biocidal activity of the obtained materials against Gram-positive and Gram-negative planktonic and biofilm-embedded cells, superior to those reported in the literature for other ZnO-based materials or antibiotics, associated also with a good biocompatibility.

Keywords: Antibacterial activity; Lanthanide doping; Post-synthesis processing; Zinc oxalate; ZnO.