Facile synthesis, microstructure, photo-catalytic activity, and anti-bacterial property of the novel Ag@gelatin-silica hybrid nanofiber membranes

In this study, novel fibrous membranes made of Ag@gelatin-silica hybrid nanofibers were synthesized from gelatin, 3-glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane, and Ag@gelatin nanoparticles (NPs) via a combined method of in situ reduction, sol-gel route, and electrospinning method. Their microstructure, photo-catalytic activity, and anti-bacterial property were evaluated. SEM and TEM observations showed that they were constructed by numerous Ag@gelatin-silica hybrid nanofibers whose surfaces were rough and constructed by numerous Ag@gelatin NPs with the diameter of 10-30nm. XRD patterns showed that they presented some typical diffractive peak at 39 degrees, 45 degrees, 65 degrees, and 78 degrees, all of which were assigned to Ag NPs. After incubation with the solution of 4-NP and NaBH4, they presented strong photo-catalytic activity for reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol and their photo-catalytic activity could be well adjusted through adjustment of the content of Ag in the Ag@gelatin-silica hybrid nanofibers. Moreover, they could be easily recycled with a high recovery efficiency. In addition, when exposed to Escherichia coli (E. coli), they showed strong anti-bacterial property and highly inhibited the growth of E. coli. These results indicated that the present hybrid nanofiber membranes are applicable to the multi-functional materials for removal of both organic pollutants and microbial contaminants in the wastewater. Novel Ag@gelatin-silica hybrid nanofiber membranes were synthesized via a combined method of in situ reduction, sol-gel route and electrospinning method and presented both photo-catalytic activity for reduction of nitrophenol and anti-bacterial property against growth of Escherichia coli. [GRAPHICS] HighlightsAg@gelatin nanoparticles were synthesized through in situ of AgNO3 by gelatin.Ag@gelatin-silica nanofibers were synthesized in the presence of Ag@gelatin nanoparticles.Ag@gelatin-silica hybrid nanofibers showed photo-catalytic activity.Ag@gelatin-silica hybrid nanofibers could be utilized as recyclable photo-catalyst.Ag@gelatin-silica hybrid nanofibers showed anti-bacterial property.