Thermal properties and nano structural analysis of potassium/lanthanum co-doped mesoporous bioactive glass

This study investigates the effects of potassium (K) and lanthanum (La) co-doping on mesoporous bioactive glass (BG), revealing significant modifications in its structural, thermal, and textural properties. X-ray diffraction patterns demonstrate enhanced crystallinity in K/La-BG, with prominent peaks at 33.6 degrees and 34.2 degrees corresponding to the (024) and (220) crystal planes, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy reveals a transition from a porous network structure in BG to densely packed, irregularly shaped particle aggregates in K/La-BG. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy highlights changes in the Si-O-Si network (1400 cm(-1)), Si-O bonding (800-1100 cm(-1)), and P-O domain (600-800 cm(-1)) regions upon doping. Thermogravimetric analysis shows improved thermal stability in K/La-BG, with a total weight loss of approximately 80% across the temperature range of 30-714 degrees C. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis reveals a reduction in surface area from 11.54 m(2)/g in BG to 8.23 m(2)/g in K/La-BG, along with decreased pore volume (from 0.025 cc/g to 0.021 cc/g) and pore diameter (from 31.35 & Aring; to 25.15 & Aring;). These findings collectively demonstrate that K and La co-doping significantly alters the physicochemical properties of BG, potentially influencing its dissolution kinetics, bone-bonding capabilities, and overall bioactive performance in bone tissue engineering applications.