A Novel Electrochemical Modification Combined with Heat Treatment for Production of Ag NPs and Efficient Antibacterial Ag NPs-Coated Nonwoven Fabrics

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were quick synthesized by electrochemical method combined with heat treatment using silver electrodes and trisodiumcitrate (TSC) as reducing agent. This method is highly productive, with simple equipment, which is easily deployed on an industrial scale. The size of the Ag NPs is controlled through the amperage and the concentration of TSC. The effect of the synthesis’ conditions on optical properties of Ag NPs was surveyed. The Ag NPs were used to fabricate the Ag NPs-coated nonwoven fabrics. The bactericidal testing showed that Ag NPs-coated nonwoven fabrics were able to kill over 80% of E. coli and 96.9% of B. subtilis bacteria. These results can be considered as a new choice to prevent the spread of diseases caused by bacteria and viruses, thereby contributing to the protection of human health.

Fig. 2 UV-Vis absorption spectra of Ag NPs fabricated with: different current intensities (A), different concentrations of TSC (B), different electrochemical time (D), and TSC molecular structure (C).