Incorporation of silver nanoparticles on Cu‐BTC metal–organic framework under the influence of reaction conditions and investigation of their antibacterial activity

Abstract

AbstractIn this work, silver nanoparticles were loaded on Cu‐BTC metal–organic framework (MOF) by chemical reduction method in the presence of NaBH4. Characterization of structures was performed by FT‐IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, ICP‐OES, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm, and TGA techniques. Changes in the reaction conditions, especially the used solvent, in the synthesis of the compounds were investigated, and it was found that the amount of silver loaded, size, distribution, and morphology of the particles depended on it. Silver loading values of 1.76%–2% were calculated. The sample synthesized in a mixture of water and methanol (AC2) showed the highest amount of load with uniform and narrow distribution of about 20 nm for silver nanoparticles. The compounds' bactericidal potency was tested by agar well diffusion and broth dilution methods against Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive microorganisms. Silver loading amount, type of metal, solubility, particle size, and porosity were the factors influencing antibacterial activity. The physicochemical properties created in AC2 led to its best antibacterial performance.