Characterization and antibacterial effect of silica-silver nanocomposite particles

Abstract

The chemistry of hybrid silica materials remains as an actively investigated theme because of its relevance to various fields such as applications in adsorbents, optical devices, and catalysts. In this experiment, surface of silica particles is modified with 3-Mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS). Silver particles (NPs) is chemically binded on silica surface to form silica-silver nanocomposite particles (NCPs). The silica-silver NCPs were synthesized within two steps and were characterized by UV−vis spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Silver is well-known as an antibacterial material which can effectively block fungi or viruses. In this experiment, 3 samples have been prepared : polymer film without coating, polymer film with silver NPs coating and polymer film coated with silica-silver NCPs. The antimicrobial ability and stability of the material will be further determined by varying reaction temperature and time.