Abstract

Disinfection of bacteria in water with sustainable and energy-efficient methods is still a great challenge. Herein, a novel gelatin sponge with embedded AgNPs is fabricated via freeze-drying using gelatin as the reducing agent to synthesize AgNPs in situ. UV-vis spectroscopy, HRTEM, XRD, and XPS characterization prove the formation of AgNPs with an average size of 8.55 ± 0.35nm. TEM and SEM images confirm the even distribution of AgNPs throughout the AgNPs/gelatin sponges. The composite sponge has a low bulk density of 20 ± 3.5mg/cm3 and a pore size of 6.2 ± 1.5μm. The AgNPs/gelatin sponges exhibit excellent antibacterial performance to E. coli in water, probably by destroying their cell membranes. The porous AgNPs/gelatin composite sponges are promising filter materials for water disinfection. The removal rate of AgNPs/gelatin composite sponges on E. coli reached almost 100%. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call