A novel Ag/graphene composite: facile fabrication and enhanced antibacterial properties

In this work, a novel Ag/graphene composite was synthesized as a promising antibacterial agent. The high-quality graphene was prepared from the expandable graphite first and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were then supported on the graphene sheets by a facile chemical reduction. TEM, SEM, and XPS characterizations show the crystalline of Ag NPs with a typical diameter of 45–50 nm are homogeneously decorated onto graphene sheets without aggregation. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of composite is investigated using the agar well diffusion method. Results reveal the Ag/graphene composites exhibit outstanding and stable antibacterial activity against E. coli due to good dispersibility of Ag NPs and high-quality of graphene substrate.