ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

In situ green synthesis of cellulose nanocomposite films incorporated with silver/silver chloride particles: characterization and antibacterial performance

Mozhgan Bagheri, Mojgan Heydari, Parvaneh Sangpour, and Sasan Rabieh

Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials Department, Materials and Energy Research Center, Karaj, Iran

E-mail: m.bagheri@merc.ac.ir

Received: 11 February 2022  Accepted: 31 May 2022

Abstract:

Ag/AgCl@cellulose nanocomposite films were fabricated based on microwave-assisted ionic liquid method using 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C₄mim]Cl) with AgNO₃. The ionic liquid acted as a solvent for dissolution of cellulose and served as the chlorine source for in situ precipitation of silver chloride in the cellulose matrix. Ag/AgCl was formed within the cellulose matrix due to the partial reduction of AgCl in the cellulose matrix to Ag⁰ upon exposure to ambient light in the synthesis process. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis were used to characterize morphology, crystal structure, composition, and thermal stability of Ag/AgCl@cellulose nanocomposites. Morphological evaluation showed the cube-like Ag/AgCl particles anchored on the surface of cellulose and embedded within the interlaced cellulose matrix as well. The composite films have localized surface plasmon resonance at 480 nm, indicating formation of the silver nanoregions on the silver chloride particle surface. The antibacterial potency of the nanocomposite films was assessed against bacterial strains of E. Coli and S. Aureus. The antibacterial tests showed growth prevention of the two representative strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Graphical abstract

Keywords: Cellulose; Ag/AgCl; Nanocomposite; Ionic liquid; Antibacterial

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-022-02311-z

Chemical Papers 76 (10) 6223–6233 (2022)