Abstract
Radio frequency reactive magnetron sputtering was used to produce silver oxide thin films for antimicrobial applications. The morphology and bandgap of the films were tuned using oxygen flow rate and forward deposition power to obtain monolithic, transparent, visible-light activated photocatalyst. XRD and RDF indicated the deposition of antimicrobial phases of silver oxide (Ag4O4 and Ag2O) nanocrystalline particles (2.45–31.30 nm) in a mixture of amorphous and crystalline background typical of films deposited at room temperature as confirmed by SEM images. Contact angle and surface energy analysis indicated the films are mildly hydrophilic and the Lifshitz-van der Walls forces as well as polarization of the surfaces providing interactive forces on the films. Optical characterization reveals absorption in the visible spectrum leading to photocatalysis as well as transmission of up to 80% of visible light and a bandgap range of 2.35–3.15 eV for the films. Atomic absorption spectroscopy confirmed 24 hours sustained silver ion release in both water and saline. XPS analysis confirmed photocatalysis on the surfaces capturing superoxide and hydroxyl groups on the films. Antimicrobial tests confirmed 100% killing of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in less than 25 minutes. The findings open new doors for the development of non-composite visible-light activated photocatalyst applications.
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