One-pot Synthesis of Ag-TiO2-Sepiolite Nanocomposites with Excellent Antibacterial Activity

A novel Ag-TiO2-sepiolite antibacterial nanocomposite was prepared by a one-pot solvothermal method in acetic acid-water solution. The ternary nanostructures consist of Ag-decorated TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) supported with sepiolite nanofibers. Sepiolite served as a template for reducing the agglomeration of TiO2 NPs and improving the interface reactions between the nanocomposite and bacteria cells. Ag NPs were introduced to enhance the absorption of visible light, and suppress the recombination of electron-hole pair. The synergistic effects of TiO2, Ag NPs and sepiolite nanofibers led to the superior antibacterial activity of the Ag-TiO2-sepiolite nanocomposite against Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus.