Nanoscale Silver Research Articles

Mercury (II) sensor based on nanosilver/chitosan modified screen-printed carbon electrode

This study introduces a highly sensitive platform for ultratrace mercury [Hg (II)] detection, utilizing a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) modified with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), chitosan (CS), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The AgNPs were synthesized using a green method incorporating CS and CNT hybrids, leading to their immobilization on the CNT sidewalls, resulting in nanoscale silver electrode arrays on the SPCE. Detection of Hg (II) involved the formation of Hg/Ag amalgam on the AgNPs/CS/CNT-modified SPCE surface by depositing mercury species onto elemental mercury. Hg (II) detection successfully occurred through the stripping of both Hg0 and Ag0 at a potential of +0.16 V in a supporting electrolyte (0.10 M HCl and 0.10 M KCl). This newly established detection method demonstrates exceptional selectivity and sensitivity, featuring a remarkable linear range for Hg (II) concentration from 1.0 nM to 12.6 nM, with an impressive correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.982 (n = 13) and a low detection limit of 0.4 nM. The designed electrode effectively measured Hg (II) levels in textile samples, yielding acceptable recovery results, while also exhibiting remarkable reproducibility and precision. This work presents a novel, highly sensitive, and selective approach for ultratrace Hg (II) detection, with promising applications in environmental monitoring and analytical chemistry.

Distinct pathway of multiferroic silver-decorated zinc ferrite nanocatalyst performance for Acinate insecticide oxidation

The current study investigating the preparation and application of a Multiferroic nano-scale silver zinc ferrite substance (Ag0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanocatalyst) has been established. Multiferroic silver zinc ferrite substance is prepared by co-precipitation technique as hybridized composite. This synethsized nanoparticles was characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) as well as Scanning Electron Miscospopy (SEM). Such nanoparticles are used as a sustainable recyclable photo-Fenton’s reagent precursor for treating insecticide in wastewater. The results revealed a high Acinate oxidation rate reached to 97% removal within 40 min of irradiance time. To increase the performance, the operating variables are optimized. pH 3.0 and 40 and 400 mg/L for Ag0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 and hydrogen peroxide, respectively are identified as the optimum values. Also, kinetics and thermodynamic are evaluated and the reaction is subsequent the first-order kinetics model and exothermic and non-spontaneous in nature with a low energy barrier of 35.02 kJ/mol. The advantage of Ag0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 catalyst is its sustainability since it recovered for multiple reuse with a high activity reached to 80% removal rate after six cyclic use compared to 97% of fresh catalyst use.

Enhanced Antimicrobial and Degradable Properties of Silver Nanoparticles‐Reinforced Chitosan‐Indian Gooseberry Films for Sustainable Food Packaging

AbstractThis study focuses on creating a biodegradable film composed of chitosan, Indian Gooseberry (IG) extract, and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), designed to enhance antimicrobial properties and improve food preservation. The presence of AgNPs and IG extract not only dramatically exhibits 99% efficiency in the antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538P), but also achieves this within a remarkably short time interval of ≈20 min. This potent antimicrobial action is attributed to the synergistic effect between the bioactive compounds in the IG extract and the nanoscale silver particles, which together create a highly hostile environment for microbial growth. Moreover, this synergy contributes to 313.94% water vapor transmittance rate and the complete biodegradability of the composite film (93.42% at the end of the second month), ensuring that it leaves no harmful residues in the environment post‐use. The reinforced film exhibits improved hydrophobicity (55.43%), which is crucial for protecting food products from moisture and extending their shelf life. Specifically, the film has been tested as a packaging material for bread, showing a significant extension in shelf life by effectively preventing mold growth and retaining freshness for an extended period (14 days).

Construction of pH/NIR responsive silver sulfide metal-organic frameworks for photothermal/chemotherapy synergistic treatment of tumor

In recent years, photothermal therapy (PTT), a new type of therapy, has been gradually recognized as a rapidly developing technology, and many nanomaterials have been applied to PTT. One of the representative nanomaterials in this field is nanoscale silver sulfide with rising significance in biomedicine like cell imaging. However, there are not much researches on the use of silver sulfide nanomaterials in photothermal therapy. Thus, a novel core-shell nanostructure was fabricated by encapsulating a hollow silver sulfide (HAg2S) core with a zeolite imidazole acid skeleton (ZIF-8), which is a representative metal-organic framework (MOF) crystal, for the purpose of carrying doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX). The as-prepared HAg2S/ZIF-8 core-shell nanostructure can be targeted by hyaluronic acid (HA) molecules that are able to bind with CD44 receptors over-expressed on a variety of cancer cells, thereby implementing synergistic photothermal effect and chemotherapeutic effect in near-infrared (NIR) region in association with multiple responses to pH, HA, and NIR as well as DOX release. In summary, the present approach could help to inject fresh vitality into the future cancer cure.

PH and Temperature-Responsive Silk Sericin/N-Isopropyl Acrylamide Interpenetrating Network Gel and Viscose Non-Woven Cross-Linked Composite Dressing

A gel (SNA-Ag) loaded with nanoscale silver particles and a pH-responsive agent was prepared using N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAAm) as the first network structure, silk sericin (SS) as the second network structure and reducing agent, alizarin as the pH indicator and co-reducing agent, N, N-methylene bisacrylamide (BIS) as the crosslinking agent, ammonium persulfate (APS) as the initiator and N, N, N, N-tetramethylethylenediamine (TEMED) as co-initiator. To improve the breaking strength of the gel, the temperature and pH-responsive antibacterial (V/SNA-Ag) composite dressing was prepared by crosslinking the SNA-Ag gel with viscose non-woven fabric using glutaraldehyde as the crosslinking agent. Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the SNA-Ag hydrogel was successfully crosslinked with the viscose non-woven fabric. Meanwhile, a gel coating was formed on the fabric, and the coating thickness increased when the crosslinking time was extended. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and pH response tests confirmed that the dressing was temperature sensitive, and the Lower Critical Solution Temperature (LCST) of the dressing was about 35 °C. When the pH of the dressing was changed from acidic to alkaline, its color was changed from yellow to purple, indicating that its color presented pH response characteristics. The dressing not only had excellent swelling performance but also had outstanding antibacterial activity; the antibacterial degree for Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was up to 99%. A cytotoxicity test suggested that the survival degree of mouse cells after incubation for 96 h was more than 75%, proving that it was safe and nontoxic. In addition, compared with viscose non-woven fabric, the breaking strength of composite dressing was increased, and the air permeability was decreased. In conclusion, we suggest that V/SNA-Ag composite dressings have great potential for monitoring and treating wounds.

Atomistic insight of deformation mechanisms and mechanical characteristics of nano-scale silver (100) using nanoindentation

This work aims to utilize the widely adopted nanoindentation technique to explore the deformation behavior and mechanical characteristics of nanocrystalline silver (Ag) materials. Molecular Dynamics simulations were conducted to understand the material behavior at the nanometer scale. In this simulation, the effect of indentation velocity and indentation depth on defect formation and hardness during nanoindentation of Ag specimens was analyzed and discussed in detail. The results show that the deformation behavior of the Ag specimen was affected by different indentation velocities. These phenomena were confirmed by analyzing the load-displacement curve, which indicates elastic deformation by the appearance of a linear load-displacement at low indentation velocities. In contrast, plastic deformation was found by the presence of intensified serration in the load-displacement relationship at higher indentation velocities. In these cases, the hardness showed little variation when the indenter velocity was increased from 5 m/s to 10 m/s, whereas a significant increase in hardness was observed when the indentation velocity was further increased to 20 m/s. Importantly, the progression of load-displacement curves during nanoindentation demonstrates the occurrence of minor and major load drops, corresponding to an increase in indentation depth from 0.5 nm to 2 nm respectively. These findings were elucidated through dislocation extraction analysis (DXA), which revealed that a minor load drop at low indentation depths is attributed to the nucleation of an amorphous structure, while a major load drop at higher indentation depths is associated with the expansion of dislocation nucleation. Consequently, the hardness increased significantly as the indentation depth increased. This research, provides insight into atomistic investigation and offers guidelines for designing materials with excellent mechanical properties using nanoindentation.

Preparation and Performance Study of a Hydrophobic Antimicrobial Nanoscale Aqueous Paint

This study involved the synthesis of core–shell nanostructured Ag@SiO2 materials, and based on these materials, a novel nanoscale water-based paint with excellent water resistance and antimicrobial properties was developed. The obtained samples were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), contact angle measurements, and antimicrobial testing. The experimental results indicate that in the nanoscale water-based paint, SiO2 nanoparticles effectively bond with acrylic ester (HBP). The high-strength SiO2 nanoparticles play a crucial role in improving the coating’s abrasion resistance. The nanoscale silver (Ag@SiO2) continuously releases silver ions, thereby inhibiting the formation of bacterial biofilms on the coating surface and preventing subsequent biofouling, thus enhancing the coating’s antimicrobial and anti-fouling capabilities. Based on these unique characteristics, this water-based paint holds promise for applications in architectural coatings and marine anti-fouling coatings.

Silver nanowires@TiO2 core-shell for room-temperature 1000 ppm NH3 gas sensors

This study employs a simple liquid-phase deposition method to grow TiO2 onto nanoscale silver wires, with a diameter of 90 nm and a length of 15∼20 μm. This core-shell structure possesses a high specific surface area, which enhances the gas reaction surface. Measurements can be conducted at room temperature. The main mechanism relies on the conductive properties of silver to transmit electrons, while Schottky barriers between Ag and TiO2 further accelerate oxygen ionization and surface redox reactions. This structure may contribute to enhancing the response value, response time, and recovery time of gas sensors.

Greenly engineered bimetallic Ag-ZnO nanohybrids for synergistic antibacterial enhancement

The escalating issue of infectious agents developing resistance to traditional antibiotics has spurred ongoing research into effective and broad-spectrum antimicrobial solutions. This study focuses on the fabrication of silver-zinc oxide Nanohybrids (A-ZnO-NHs) with varying silver content (1 %, 3 %, 5 %) using a simplified modified sol–gel method, further enhanced by a green synthesis approach utilizing orange peel extract for the generation of silver nanoparticles. The physicochemical characteristics of the A-ZnO-NCs were thoroughly examined. X-ray diffraction analysis verified the presence of Ag nanoparticles within the zinc oxide and scanning electron microscopy revealed the nanoscale silver particles uniformly distributed on the spherical zinc oxide nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy indicated that the Ag-ZnO-NCHs ranged in size from 10 to 20 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed the formation of strong chemical bonds between the silver and zinc oxide surfaces in the nanohybrids. This study explored into the structural, morphological, and antimicrobial characteristics of the A-ZnO-NHs at different compositions. The bactericidal efficiency of the A-ZnO-NHs was assessed against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains. The impact of the A-ZnO-NHs on the cellular structure and chemical composition of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) was also explored. The findings revealed that the A-ZnO-NHs with 3 % silver content demonstrated higher antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus compared to other compositions and pure zinc oxide nanoparticles. The antimicrobial activity decreases when the concentration of silver increases because the silver particles agglomerate together, reducing their surface area and lessening their effectiveness as antibacterial agents, despite their potential for various applications.

Rapid low-temperature densification of Ag2Se bulk material: mass transfer through the dissociative adsorption reaction of Ag protrusions and Se saturated vapor

In materials science, the impact of density on a material’s capabilities is profound. Conventional sintering requires high temperatures and is energy-demanding, propelling the pursuit of less intensive, low-temperature densification methods. Electric field-assisted sintering has recently gained attention for its simplicity and effectiveness, offering a new frontier in low-temperature densification. In this study, dense bulk materials were produced by subjecting monophasic Ag2Se powders to electric field-assisted sintering, where a direct current with an average value of 4 A was applied, achieving a peak temperature of 344 K. The novel low-temperature densification mechanism unfolds thus: nanoscale silver protrusions, stimulated by electrical current, engage in a dissociative adsorption reaction with the ambient saturated selenium vapor. This process swiftly engenders the formation of fresh silver selenide (Ag2Se) compounds, initiating nucleation and subsequent growth. Consecutively, these compounds seamlessly occupy and expand, perpetually bridging the interstices amidst the powders. In a scant 8 s, the density swiftly surpassed 99%, yielding a bulk material that exhibited a ZT value of 1.07 at 390 K. This investigation not only attains an unparalleled density at low temperatures but also charts a pioneering course for material densification in such conditions.

Poplar wood treated with nano-silver–copper particles: fungal degradation and leaching analysis

Abstract This study investigated the inhibition effect of nanoscale silver–copper particle (20 nm) against Coriolus versicolor and Gloeophyllum trabeum. Poplar wood samples (Populus L.) were vacuum-impregnated using aqueous nano-AgCu solutions at concentrations of 0.01 %, 0.02 %, 0.03 %, 0.05 %, 0.075 %, and 0.1 %. Alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ, 0.1 %), boric acid (0.2 %) and untreated control group (CK) were employed for comparisons. Decay resistance and leachability were studied. The anti-fungi effects were compared between nano-AgCu, nano-Ag, Ag+ (silver nitrate), Cu2+ (copper nitrate), and a composite of Ag+–Cu2+. Nano-AgCu particle exhibited effective resistance to fungi after 12 weeks of exposure. The threshold retention of the nano-AgCu against C. versicolor and G. trabeum on poplar wood was 0.19 kg m−3 and 0.62 kg m−3, respectively. The silver–copper nanoparticles demonstrated excellent leach resistance, and the inhibition effect was retained after leaching. The nano-AgCu particle provided better antifungal effects than single ions or metal nanoparticles. This study illustrates the potential of using nano-AgCu particle as an efficient wood preservative compared to commercial water-soluble preservatives.

THE INFLUENCE OF THE STRUCTURAL PARAMETERS OF THE MATERIALS OF THE SENSITIVE ELEMENT OF THE OPTICAL SENSOR ON ITS SENSORY PROPERTIES

The sensor element of an optical sensor based on surface plasmon resonance is investigated in the paper. In particular, the influence of the components of the sensor element on its sensor properties by modeling design options. The Kretschmann configuration was chosen as the model, which is a glass prism with a multilayer nanoscale structure applied to one face. It was established that the material of the prism affects only the resonance angle of the structure. The thickness of nanoscale gold and silver films varied from 1 to 100 nm. The minimum value of the coefficient was obtained when the thickness of the gold and silver nanoscale films was 50 nm and 45 nm, respectively. The thickness of the silicon dioxide film varied from 10 to 150 nm. In the Au – SiO2 structure, the addition of silicon dioxide improved the optical properties of the multilayer structure. The minimum value of the reflection coefficient has decreased, but the thickness of the silicon dioxide is 3 nm. When the thickness of the dielectric layer increases, the optical properties of the structure deteriorate. The structure of the sensitive element, which uses a nanosized silver film, almost does not change its optical properties when adding a layer of SiO2, its thickness can reach 50 nm.

Angle-resolved and time-resolved spectroscopic study on large-area silver gratings fabricated via optical interference lithography

Plasmonic resonators, which can enhance the near-field due to plasmon excitation, have attracted extensive research interest due to their significant potential in photodetection, photocatalysis, photovoltaics, and other applications. Here, we experimentally present spectroscopic results of plasmonic resonances on large-area nanoscale silver (Ag) gratings, fabricated by optical interference lithography based on angle-resolved optical absorption spectroscopy and femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS). Specifically, we have measured plasmon resonances as a function of azimuthal angles and detection angles under p- and s-polarization. TAS reveals the non-radiative decay of plasmon resonances by transferring energy to nearby species, including exciting plasmonic hot electrons, which can be harvested by coupled semiconductors through a metal-semiconductor Schottky barrier. Our numerical simulation provides insight into the near-field analysis and quantifies the density of plasmonic hot electrons excited in our Ag-gratings.

Breaking bandgap limitation: Improved photosensitization in plasmonic-based CsPbBr3 photodetectors via hot-electron injection

A higher detection performance and stability are always pursued in the development of photoelectric or photo-electrochemical devices, critical for their further commercial application. Here, we report a CsPbBr3-based photodetector engineered from a multilayer Si/Ag islands/CsPbBr3/PMMA system, showing an evidently enhanced photosensitization and breaking the absorption edge of CsPbBr3. On the one hand, the photocurrent contribution from plasmonic hot-electron injection effectively extends the detection limit of our photodetectors much below the band edge of CsPbBr3, depending only on Schottky barrier. On the other hand, the surface plasmons on nanoscale silver islands can considerably improve the light harvesting ability of the CsPbBr3 layer, ascribed to the confinement of light in the adjacency of silver islands. Numerical simulations show the localized enhancement of light near silver islands, corresponding to the excitation of localized surface plasmon resonances. It shows a higher light intensity distribution inside the CsPbBr3 layer of the photodetector consisting of Si/Ag islands/CsPbBr3/PMMA with the photodetector with only Ag islands in accordance with their current–voltage(I–V) characteristics. Ultimately, our plasmonic CsPbBr3-based photodetector presents a >10-fold increase in the photocurrent and a doubling of the operating lifetime. Our work provides important insight into the realization of the performance and stability of optoelectronic devices based on plasmonics.

Synthesis of Silver Nanoclusters and Nanoparticles in the Medium of Hyperbranched Polyester Polyamine, and the Morphology and Aggregation Properties of the Metal–Polymer Nanocomposite

A procedure was developed for the single-step synthesis of a metal–polymer nanocomposite based on silver nanoparticles and second-pseudogeneration superbranched polyester functionalized along the periphery with 3-[(2-aminoethyl)amino]propionate. Under the conditions of the synthesis in the medium of H2O or DMSO, hyperbranched polyester decorated with ethylenediamine moieties can act as both a reductant of the nanoscale silver state and a stabilizer of it. The synthesized composite nanomaterial is formed by aggregates of hyperbranched polyester polyamine doped with Ag(0) nanoclusters and nanoparticles of spheroidal symmetry with a face-centered cubic crystal lattice. The hydrodynamic diameter of aggregates and the diameter of particles increase with increasing molar ratioand are 34–90 and 7–14 nm, respectively.

Study on the Preparation and Performance of Low-Temperature Sintering and High-Thermal-Conductivity Silver Nanowire Film

This paper proposes a new silver nanoscale joining material, silver nanowire film, as an alternative joining approach for high-power and large-size chip packaging. The silver nanowire film was prepared by pressing filtration with silver nanowire that was synthesized using the polyol method. We found that the tensile strength of the film reached 3.40 MPa and the content of the silver reached up to 99.0 wt%. This paper further studies the influence of the size of silver nanowires on the performance of silver nanowire film. The experimental results show that the silver nanowire films prepared with silver nanowires with longer lengths and smaller diameters displayed better performances. The silver nanowire film with the best performance was prepared using silver nanowire with a diameter of 88 nm and a length of 29 μm. The thermal resistance of the sintered silver nanowire film that was hot-pressed at 250 °C 10 MPa was only 1.28 K∙W−1. The shear strength of the sintered joint was 56.4 MPa, and the fracture that occurred in the sintered silver nanowire film displayed a good plasticity.

Development and Experimental Evaluation of Some Silver Nanoparticles with Antimicrobial Potential

By adjusting the synthesis process, silver nanoparticles (AgNp) of various shapes, sizes, and structures can be obtained, all of which have a substantial impact on the biological effect, notably, the regulation of antibacterial activity in the present circumstances of growing bacterial resistance. Due to their relatively small size, nanoparticles may be disseminated evenly throughout the body of the experimental animal, even at low doses, and exert more potent antibacterial activities. Our research was centered on the synthesis, production, and biological evaluation of antibacterial silver nanoparticles. Using the Turkevich method, we were able to effectively synthesize and characterize nanoscale silver particles, with an average crystallite size of 9.49 nm. We examined their acute toxicity and pharmacokinetic characteristics in rats after administering a single dosage. In addition, we evaluated the biological effect of topical AgNp suspension on the progression of burn-type lesions in the experimental animals. The pharmacokinetic profile demonstrated that the plasma concentration of silver nanoparticles, as well as their clearance rate, and dispersion throughout the body, are significantly enhanced in large rodent species. The restorative effect of synthesized silver nanoparticles in the form of a suspension in distilled water was corroborated by the values of the hematological parameters. These results demonstrated an intense stimulation of the cellular and molecular processes of the local immune defense, which has resulted in significantly faster regeneration in the AgNp-treated group.

13.1: The design and preparation of flexible MiniLED plate with nano‐Ag paste

The development and preparation process of a flexible MiniLED line subgrade board on a white reflective sheet was carried out in this paper using silk‐printing nanoscale silver paste assisted bonding technology. The design of the line conductivity parameter ‐ nanoscale silver paste parameter model, printing plate selection, and process verification were systematically completed, as well as the preparation and reliability confirmation of flexible MiniLED lamp board. The flexible MiniLED lamp board with disposable sintered nano silver slurry lines was successfully prepared, and the 65" backlight module was constructed.

Optical, structuraland antibacterial properties of silver nanoparticles and DNA-templated silver nanoclusters.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are increasingly considered for biomedical applications as drug-delivery carriers, imaging probesand antibacterial agents. Silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) represent another subclass of nanoscale silver. AgNCs are a promising tool for nanomedicine due to their small size, structural homogeneity, antibacterial activityand fluorescence, which arises from their molecule-like electron configurations. The template-assisted synthesis of AgNCs relies on organic molecules thatact as polydentate ligands. In particular, single-stranded nucleic acids reproducibly scaffold AgNCs to provide fluorescent, biocompatible materials thatare incorporable in other formulations. This mini review outlines the design and characterization of AgNPs and DNA-templated AgNCs, discusses factors that affect their physicochemical and biological properties, and highlights applications of these materials as antibacterial agents and biosensors.

Bacterial cellulose membrane incorporated with silver nanoparticles for wound healing in animal model

The bacterial cellulose membrane (CM) is a promising biomaterial due to its easy applicability and moist environment. Moreover, nanoscale silver compounds (AgNO3) are synthesized and incorporated into CMs to provide these biomaterials with antimicrobial activity for wound healing. This study aimed to evaluate the cell viability of CM incorporated with nanoscale silver compounds, determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and its use on in vivo skin lesions. Wistar rats were divided according to treatment: untreated, CM (cellulose membrane), and AgCM (CM incorporated with silver nanoparticles). The euthanasia was performed on the 2nd, 7th, 14th, and 21st days to assess inflammation (myeloperoxidase-neutrophils, N-acetylglucosaminidase-macrophage, IL-1β, IL-10), oxidative stress (NO-nitric oxide, DCF-H2O2), oxidative damage (carbonyl: membrane's damage; sulfhydryl: membrane's integrity), antioxidants (superoxide dismutase; glutathione), angiogenesis, tissue formation (collagen, TGF-β1, smooth muscle α-actin, small decorin, and biglycan proteoglycans). The use of AgCM did not show toxicity, but antibacterial effect in vitro. Moreover, in vivo, AgCM provided balanced oxidative action, modulated the inflammatory profile due to the reduction of IL-1β level and increase in IL-10 level, in addition to increased angiogenesis and collagen formation. The results suggest the use of silver nanoparticles (AgCM) enhanced the CM properties by providing antibacterial properties, modulation the inflammatory phase, and consequently promotes the healing of skin lesions, which can be used clinically to treat injuries.