Plasma-aided green and controllable synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their compounding with gemini surfactant

The compounding of surfactants with specific nanomaterials may result in a system of multi-functionalities. In this work, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared by a microplasma-aided approach, where traditional chemical reductants were not required. The influence of plasma conditions and parameters on the product (e.g. composition, structure) was studied via characterization techniques like UV-Vis, SEM, TEM, EDX, XRD, SAED, OES and HRTEM. Results showed that crystalline AgNPs of high purity can be directly obtained in one step, without any chemical reducing agents. Meanwhile, a gemini cationic surfactant (Tetramethylene-a,v-bis(lauryloxyethyl dimethyl lammonium bromide)) of superior surface activity and well antibacterial property was synthesized, and then compounded with the plasma-generated AgNPs to form a nano-surfactant system. By evaluating their antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus, the synergistic effects of the compounding system were studied. It was demonstrated that AgNPs were well-dispersed in the presence of the gemini cationic surfactant, and the nano-surfactant compounding system has improved antibacterial activity as well as good stability. (c) 2021 Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

In this study, silver nanoparticles were prepared using a microplasma-aided approach without the need for traditional chemical reductants, and then compounded with a gemini cationic surfactant to form a nano-surfactant system with improved antibacterial activity and stability. The synergistic effects of the compounding system were studied, demonstrating well-dispersed AgNPs in the presence of the surfactant and enhanced antibacterial activity.