Preparation of a Novel Nano or Submicron Tourmaline Ceramic and Its Ability to Inhibit the Activity of the Sulfate-Reducing Bacterium

Abstract

In this study, novel nano- or submicron-scale tourmaline bacteriostatic ceramics in which nano or submicron tourmaline is one of the central materials, together with nano-zinc oxide, are prepared using ion exchange and solid-phase synthesis techniques. The material is then examined with IR, XRD and XPS and is tested for the ability to inhibit the activity of the sulfate-reducing bacterium (SRB). The calcination temperature of the ceramic is 600 °C, and the main components are present at 11.17% for Si2p, 3.12% for Mo3d, 3.47% for Zn2p3, 2.86% for Mn2p and 2.35% for Cu2p. Additionally, the density of this material is 1.4-3.5 g/cm3, and its compressive strength exceeds 5.2 MPa, meeting the requirements of ceramic standards. Consequently, the bacteriostatic ceramic inhibits the activity of the sulfate-reducing bacterium effectively without inhibiting the removal of COD and NO3-. These results indicate that the sulfate-reducing bacterium maintains its functional metabolism, apart from its sulfate reduction potential, when using this bacteriostatic ceramic, thus achieving the goal of inhibiting the action of the sulfate-reducing bacterium.