Adsorption and antibacterial activity of silver‐dispersed carbon aerogels

Silver‐dispersed carbon aerogels (Ag/CAs) were obtained by the direct immersion of organic aerogels in aqueous AgNO₃ solutions and then carbonization of the resulting material under a nitrogen atmosphere. The adsorption and antibacterial activity of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus on Ag/CAs were studied by the measurement of the amount of viable bacteria in suspensions and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations. The adsorbed amount of bacteria on samples without silver increased with an increase in the carbonization temperature and contact time. SEM studies showed that the adsorption capacity of Ag/CAs decreased with an increase in the silver content; this was considered to be mainly due to the dissolution behavior of bacteria by silver ions. The antibacterial test showed that 2.5 mg of Ag/CAs with more than 3.6% Ag could inhibit the growth of 10⁵ cfu/mL E. coli in 10 mL of a Mueller–Hinton broth culture, but in the case of S. aureus, 10‐mg samples just got the same antibacterial effect. An antibacterial persistency test showed that 25 mg of Ag/CAs with 6.5% Ag could kill 50 mL of 10⁵ cfu/mL E. coli eight times. These results indicate that Ag/CAs possess strong and long‐term antibacterial activity. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 1030–1037, 2006     

Fabrication and characterization of chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) electrospun nanofibrous membranes containing silver nanoparticles for antibacterial water filtration

Electrospun nanofibrous membranes (ENMs) were fabricated based on chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) (CS/PVA) with a 70/30 mass ratio containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) via the electrospinning method. AgNPs were produced on the surface of CS/PVA nanofibers by adding AgNO₃ to a CS/PVA blend solution as a silver rendering component. The presence of AgNPs in the polymer blend solution was detected by UV spectrophotometry. The morphology of nanofibers before and after cross-linking with glutaraldehyde was investigated by the field emission scanning electron microscopy. The formation and size distribution of AgNPs onto the surface of nanofibers were observed by transmission electron microscopy and confirmed by energy dispersing X-ray spectroscopy. As-spun and cross-linked CS/PVA nanofibers revealed a smooth surface with diameters ranging from 58 to 73 nm and 95 to 109 nm, respectively. The effect of AgNP formation on the chemical structure of nanofibers was explored by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Static and dynamic antibacterial filtration efficiencies of CS/PVA ENMs, containing differing amounts of AgNO₃, have been tested against Escherichia coli, a gram negative bacterium. The antibacterial assessment results exhibited a significant increase in both static and dynamic antibacterial filtration efficiencies of the prepared CS/PVA ENMs by addition of AgNO₃ as a bactericidal agent.     

Adsorption of theophylline from aqueous solution on organic aerogels and carbon aerogels

A series of organic aerogels (AGs) with different porous structures were prepared by controlling the conditions of sol–gel polymerization, and related carbon aerogles (CAs) were obtained by carbonization at 1,173 K. Their structures were investigated by N₂ adsorption–desorption analysis. The static adsorption of theophylline from aqueous solution on AGs and CAs was studied to explore the influence of micropore areas, mesopore volume and surface chemistry on adsorption capacity. The results show that the adsorption capacities of theophylline on CAs are better than on AGs. The adsorption properties of all samples obey Langmuir model. The values of correlation coefficient are almost over 0.99, indicating a good mathematical fit. The comparison of the adsorptions on AGs and CAs indicated that both micropores and mesopores play important roles in determining the adsorption capacity. But for AGs, besides the pore structure, the surface chemistry also contributes to the adsorption capacities.     

Preparation and Characterization of Gelatin Nanofibers Containing Silver Nanoparticles

Ag nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized in formic acid aqueous solutions through chemical reduction. Formic acid was used for a reducing agent of Ag precursor and solvent of gelatin. Silver acetate, silver tetrafluoroborate, silver nitrate, and silver phosphate were used as Ag precursors. Ag⁺ ions were reduced into Ag NPs by formic acid. The formation of Ag NPs was characterized by a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Ag NPs were quickly generated within a few minutes in silver nitrate (AgNO₃)/formic acid solution. As the water content of formic acid aqueous solution increased, more Ag NPs were generated, at a higher rate and with greater size. When gelatin was added to the AgNO₃/formic acid solution, the Ag NPs were stabilized, resulting in smaller particles. Moreover, gelatin limits further aggregation of Ag NPs, which were effectively dispersed in solution. The amount of Ag NPs formed increased with increasing concentration of AgNO₃ and aging time. Gelatin nanofibers containing Ag NPs were fabricated by electrospinning. The average diameters of gelatin nanofibers were 166.52 ± 32.72 nm, but these decreased with the addition of AgNO₃. The average diameters of the Ag NPs in gelatin nanofibers ranged between 13 and 25 nm, which was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).     

A novel porous La2Zr2O7 ceramic aerogels with ultralow thermal conductivity and photocatalytic property

Porous La₂Zr₂O₇ ceramic aerogels (CAs) were prepared by sol-gel template method and thermal treated process. The microstructure and crystallisation behavior of the samples were systematically characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Raman spectroscopy. The results indicated that the as-prepared porous La₂Zr₂O₇ CAs had a single-phase pyrochlore structure with typical three-dimensional (3-D) porous structure. Meanwhile, the formation mechanisms of the as-prepared porous La₂Zr₂O₇ CAs were investigated. At the same time, the as-prepared porous La₂Zr₂O₇ CAs presented an ultralow room-temperature thermal conductivity of 0.07 W/(m K), high specific surface areas of 325.17 m²/g, and a relatively high compressive strength of 11.95 MPa. What's more, the as-prepared porous La₂Zr₂O₇ CAs possessed ideal photocatalytic activities due to its high crystallinity, large surface area as well as unique 3-D porous structure. Therefore, the present work is proposing some new insight to prepare rare-earth zirconates CAs with porous structures for thermal insulation and dye degradation applications.     

硼酸催化炭气凝胶的制备

以苯酚、间甲酚和糠醛为原料,正丙醇作为溶剂,硼酸作为催化剂,通过溶胶-凝胶反应、超临界正己烷干燥以及高温炭化得到了炭气凝胶,并利用扫描电镜、N2吸附、傅立叶变换红外光谱和热重分析等表征手段对所制备的有机气凝胶及其炭气凝胶进行了表征,考察总反应物浓度对有机气凝胶及其炭气凝胶结构的影响.实验结果表明:所制备的炭气凝胶主要是...     

Preparation and characterization of silver nanoparticles with dendrimers as templates

In this study, crystal silver nanoparticle clusters, prepared by the reduction of AgNO₃ in the presence of third-to-sixth-generation dendrimers with a trimesyl core, were characterized with ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results showed that the particle size of the silver nanoparticles was considerably affected by the generation of the dendrimers as well as the dendrimer concentration. When the concentration ratios of Ag⁺ to the third-to-sixth-generation dendrimers were all 4 : 1, the average diameters of the obtained particles were 6.7, 6.0, 5.2, and 4.3 nm, respectively. The data from high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction indicated that the particles belonged to a simple cubic crystal structure. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008     

Formation of a liquid film of AgNO3 on a silver surface

The behavior of a AgNO₃/Ag₂O/Ag “sandwich” upon heating in vacuum was studied by in situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ex situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The AgNO₃/Ag₂O/Ag “sandwich” was prepared by exposure of a silver foil to a NO : O₂ mixture. The upper layer of the “sandwich” consists of AgNO₃ crystals of a mean size between 0.1 and 0.4 μm. Heating at 550 K in vacuum results in melting of the AgNO₃ crystals. A liquid film of AgNO₃, readily wetting the silver, covers the surface. Cooling below the melting point of AgNO₃ leads to the agglomeration of silver nitrate to long islands with a size reaching a few tens of micrometers (μm). The possible effects of AgNO₃ liquid‐phase formation on surface processes are discussed. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Fast preparation of citrate-stabilized silver nanoplates and its nanotoxicity

Citrate-stabilized silver nanoplates (AgNPs) were prepared via a seed-mediated method without surfactants, such as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), in a short amount of time (15 min). Silver seeds with 3–4 nm in diameter were added to a growth solution containing AgNO₃, trisodium citrate (TSC) and L-ascorbic acid (AA). The size of the AgNPs depended on the concentration of the silver seed and TSC. The physical properties of the AgNPs were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and by an ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometer. In addition, we tested the nanotoxicity of AgNPs prepared in TSC solution to the spleen of a rat, and found that AgNPs induced inflammation and white spots on the surface of the spleen.     

Preparation of low-density carbon aerogels by ambient pressure drying

With the addition of hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) and alcohol as solvent, an ambient pressure drying technique was developed for the fabrication of low-density organic aerogels and related carbon aerogels. When a suitable ratio of resorcinol to HMTA (R/H ratio) and ratio of resorcinol to solvents (R/S ratio) are selected, the low-density alco-gels obtained can be dried under ambient pressure conditions without observable shrinkage. The addition of HMTA increases the size of carbon nano-particles and the pore size of the aerogels that are produced. The carbon aerogels prepared in this work have similar nano-particle structures typical of the aerogels prepared with CO₂ or by the isopropanol supercritical drying technique.     

Facile synthesis of monolithic carbon/alumina composite aerogels with high compressive strength using different inorganic aluminium salts

Resorcinol–formaldehyde/alumina composite (RF/Al₂O₃) gels were initially prepared using sol–gel techniques, and then dried to aerogels with supercritical fluid CO₂. RF/Al₂O₃ aerogels were successfully converted to monolithic carbon/alumina composite (C/Al₂O₃) aerogels after carbonization under flowing Ar at 800 °C. The samples were characterized by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope and X-ray diffraction, and the compressive strengths were also measured. The results indicated that the resulting C/Al₂O₃ aerogels prepared from hydrated AlCl₃ possessed microstructures containing highly reticulated networks of fibers, 2–5 nm in diameter and of varying lengths, whereas the samples prepared from hydrated Al(NO₃)₃ were amorphous with microstructures comprised of interconnected spherical particles with diameters in the 5–15 nm range and the alumina were surrounded by amorphous carbon. The difference in microstructure resulted in each type of aerogels displaying distinct physical and mechanical properties. In particular, the as-prepared C/Al₂O₃ aerogels with the weblike microstructure were far more mechanically robust than those with the colloidal network. Correspondingly, the compressive strengths are 5.6 and 2.8 MPa, respectively.     

One-Pot Silver Nanoring Synthesis

Silver colloidal nanorings have been synthesized by reducing silver ions with NaBH₄ in trisodium citrate buffers. pH increase, by addition of NaOH, was used to speed up reduction reaction. The UV–vis absorption spectra of resulting silver nanorings showed two peaks accounting for transverse and longitudinal surface plasmon resonance, at ≈400 nm, and between 600 and 700 nm, respectively. The shapes of these silver nanoparticles (nanorings) depended on AgNO₃/NaBH₄ ratio, pH and reaction temperature. Particles were analysed by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. A reaction pathway is proposed to explain silver nanoring formation.     

Synthesis and characterization of carbon aerogels doped with the anatase form of titanium oxide

TiO₂-doped carbon aerogels (CAs) were synthesized by sol–gel polymerization of a mixture of resorcinol, formaldehyde and tetrabutyl orthotitanate, followed by gelation and supercritical drying and carbonization in N₂ gas atmosphere. The morphology of these TiO₂-doped CAs was characterized by transmission electron microscopy. X-ray diffraction and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller methods were employed to determine the microstructure and surface characteristics of samples. It was found that the doped TiO₂ had no significant effect on the surface area of the samples, whereas the pore and mesopore volumes were increased by the addition of TiO₂. The TiO₂ particles were kept still as anatase in samples carbonized at 900 °C, and did not transform into rutile on heating. Electrochemical performance of the samples as electrode materials was studied by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and constant current charge/discharge measurements. The results showed that the specific capacitance of CA electrodes had been improved by TiO₂ doping, and the samples with wider pore diameters have higher capacitance values.     

Electrochemical behavior of an Ag/TiO2 composite surfaces

Silver in a form of randomly distributed submicron-sized particles was electrodeposited, and simultaneously, titanium dioxide layer was formed, on the surface of mechanically polished titanium, by its potentiodynamic polarization in an aqueous AgNO₃ solution. In such obtained Ag/TiO₂ composite layer, the particle size distribution, and silver loading were determined by means of scanning electron microscopy. The electrochemical response of this composite layer was studied in both oxygen-free and oxygen saturated aqueous 0.1 M NaOH solution. The catalytic activity toward oxygen reduction reaction of this and other forms of silver- and platinum-based materials was compared.     

在NiCl2、MnCl2或FeCl3存在下用多元醇法高浓度合成银纳米线

报道了一种用于高浓度制备银纳米线的改性多元醇法。在NiCl₂、MnCl₂或FeCl₃存在下高浓度地制得了具有均一尺寸和形貌的银纳米线。所得银纳米线的直径约为60～100 nm、长度约30～60 μm。研究了AgNO₃溶液浓度、PVP和AgNO₃比例和控制剂浓度等对所得银纳米线形貌的影响。研究发现可以通过反应条件的改变来调节所得银纳米线的形貌。本方法的可能机理是由于引入的金属阳离子可以除掉吸附在晶种表面的氧,从而促进银纳米线的生长。     

Ultrasound Irradiation Coating of Silver Nanoparticle on ABS Sheet Surface

Ultrasound irradiation was used for anchoring silver nanoparticles with an average size from 10 to 50 nm onto the surface of acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) sheets 1 mm thick. The sonochemical reduction was carried out under argon at room temperature. Silver nanoparticles were obtained and deposited on the ABS surface by the irradiation of a mixture containing ABS plaques, silver nitrate (AgNO₃), ethylene glycol and water. Reaction conditions such as temperature, AgNO₃ concentration and irradiation time were controlled to achieve the deposition of silver nanoparticles onto the surface of ABS sheets. Nano silver coated ABS samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and antimicrobial activity, specifically against the fungus, Aspergillius niger, and the bacterium, Escherichia coli. The observed results may be applied in the design of industrial ABS sheets with antimicrobial characteristics.     

Studies on the synthesis of electrospun PAN‐Ag composite nanofibers for antibacterial application

We have successfully synthesized polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers impregnated with Ag nanoparticles by electrospinning method at room temperature. Briefly, the PAN‐Ag composite nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning PAN (10% w/v) in dimethyl formamide (DMF) solvent containing silver nitrate (AgNO₃) in the amounts of 8% by weight of PAN. The silver ions were reduced into silver particles in three different methods i.e., by refluxing the solution before electrospinning, treating with sodium borohydride (NaBH₄), as reducing agent, and heating the prepared composite nanofibers at 160°C. The prepared PAN nanofibers functionalized with Ag nanoparticles were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), SEM elemental detection X‐ray analysis (SEM‐EDAX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy (UV‐VIS) analytical techniques. UV‐VIS spectra analysis showed distinct absorption band at 410 nm, suggesting the formation of Ag nanoparticles. TEM micrographs confirmed homogeneous dispersion of Ag nanoparticles on the surface of PAN nanofibers, and particle diameter was found to be 5–15 nm. It was found that all the three electrospun PAN‐Ag composite nanofibers showed strong antibacterial activity toward both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. However, the antibacterial activity of PAN‐Ag composite nanofibers membrane prepared by refluxed method was most prominent against S. aureus bacteria. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Optimization of the synthesis and study of stable aqueous dispersions of silver nanoparticles used in medicine

Using chemical reduction, silver nanoparticle hydrosols were obtained and studied in a wide range of ratios of the initial reagents-NaBH₄: AgNO₃ from 0.1 to 10 and AOT: AgNO₃ from 0 to 1—where AOT is dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium salt. Silver hydrosols are studied using transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, UV spectroscopy, and ionometry. The optimal ratios of the initial reagents are determined, which make it possible to obtain samples with a narrow particle size distribution of 2 to 20 nm and average size of silver nanoparticles of 10 nm. The samples synthesized are stable over an extended period of time (up to six months) and contain an insignificant amount of ionic silver, which makes them useful for application in medicine.     

A Novel Approach to Prepare Poly(Vinyl Acetate)/Ag Nanocomposite for Effective Antimicrobial Coating Applications

Polyvinyl acetate nanocomposites were successfully prepared based on silver nanoparticles. First, silver nanoparticles were directly prepared during the in situ emulsion polymerization of vinyl acetate monomer using AgNO₃ as a source of Ag⁺ ions and poly(vinyl alcohol) was used for dual functions as emulsifier for emulsion polymerization and as a stabilizing agent, trisodium citrate (C₆H₅O₇Na₃) was used as reducing agent for Ag⁺ ions during the polymerization process. The prepared polyvinyl acetate/Ag nanocomposites were assessed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, transmission electron microscopy, and ultraviolet spectra. The antibacterial properties of the prepared polyvinyl acetate/Ag nanocomposites were investigated as antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria, i.e., Staphylococcus aureus (G^+ve bacteria) and Escherichia coli (G^?ve bacteria). These polyvinyl acetate nanocomposites could be used as a promising material for enhanced and continuous antibacterial applications as coating and packaging materials.