Well-dispersed Ag Nanoparticles Research Articles

Highly stable core-shell structured SiO2@C-Ag composites for organic contaminants degradation and antibacterial application

Exploring promising nanomaterials with high efficiency and robust stability holds paramount significance for addressing water crisis and water pollution. Herein, novel core-shell structured SiO2 @C-Ag nanocomposites were fabricated by one-pot Stöber method using resorcinol formaldehyde resins (RF) as a carbon source and silver ion as a catalyst and linker. Silver-ion–RF crosslinked frameworks were developed on silicon oxide cores through a coordination reaction, which was then transformed into metallic Ag nanoparticles impregnated in carbon frameworks after the carbothermal reduction. The resulting SiO2 @C-Ag nanocomposites exhibited enhanced catalytic performance for 4-nitrophenol reduction because of its increased specific surface area and abundant active sites. In addition, the well-dispersed Ag nanoparticles also offered excellent antimicrobial capability against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. This work explores constructing multifunctional materials used as high-performance catalysts/bactericides for water purification.

Mesoporous silica nanosheets with well-dispersed small Ag nanoparticles for the construction of robust transparent antibacterial nanocoatings

The fabrication of robust transparent antibacterial nanocoatings on the surface of device and equipment has significant implication for protecting human from bacterial infections in daily life. However, it still faces some challenges such as low antibacterial efficiency and poor mechanical stability, which hinder their wide applications. Therefore, it is urgent to explore the design and fabrication of superior antibacterial nanocoatings with high-robustness. In this work, robust transparent antibacterial nanocoatings were successfully fabricated by employing two-dimensional mesoporous nanosheets as a novel building block. Aminopropyl-modified mesoporous silica nanosheets (MSNSs-NH 2 ) with uniform pore sizes of ca. 5–8 nm were first fabricated by one-pot liquid-liquid interface growth method, and were employed as a carrier to achieve well-dispersed loading of many small Ag nanoparticles (NPs) of ca. 2–4 nm to form MSNSs-NH 2 @Ag as antibacterial agent. Next, robust transparent antibacterial nanocoatings were prepared by simple dip-coating method without any post-processing. It is worth noting that the use of two-dimensional MSNSs-NH 2 with large spreading area not only facilitates the uniform loading of small Ag NPs for high antibacterial capacity of nanocoatings, but also is beneficial to enhance the mechanical robustness of nanocoatings due to the firm spreadability of single layer mesoporous nanosheets on the flat substrates. The optimal coated glass slide exhibits the enhanced transmittance (94.2% at 535 nm), high-mechanical robustness (pencil hardness test: ≥3H, tape adhesion test: ≥4B) and excellent antibacterial activity (at least killing 80% bacteria) toward Gram-negative Escherichia coli . This work may provide an exploration strategy to construct multifunctional nanocoatings by using the novel mesoporous nanosheets as a building block. Robust transparent antibacterial nanocoatings were fabricated by employing Ag nanoparticles-loaded mesoporous silica nanosheets as building block. • The two-dimensional aminopropyl-modified mesoporous silica nanosheets (MSNSs-NH2) was chosen as a novel building block. • Many small Ag nanoparticles (NPs) are uniformly loaded on the MSNSs-NH2. • The single layer spreadability of nanosheet not only decreases its usage amount, but also enhances mechanical robustness. • The robust transparent antibacterial nanocoatings were prepared by simple dip-coating method without any post-processing.

Evaluation of Long-Lasting Antibacterial Properties and Cytotoxic Behavior of Functionalized Silver-Nanocellulose Composite.

Materials possessing long-term antibacterial behavior and high cytotoxicity are of extreme interest in several applications, from biomedical devices to food packaging. Furthermore, for the safeguard of the human health and the environment, it is also stringent keeping in mind the need to gather good functional performances with the development of ecofriendly materials and processes. In this study, we propose a green fabrication method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles supported on oxidized nanocellulose (ONCs), acting as both template and reducing agent. The complete structural and morphological characterization shows that well-dispersed and crystalline Ag nanoparticles of about 10–20 nm were obtained in the cellulose matrix. The antibacterial properties of Ag-nanocomposites (Ag–ONCs) were evaluated through specific Agar diffusion tests against E. coli bacteria, and the results clearly demonstrate that Ag–ONCs possess high long-lasting antibacterial behavior, retained up to 85% growth bacteria inhibition, even after 30 days of incubation. Finally, cell viability assays reveal that Ag-ONCs show a significant cytotoxicity in mouse embryonic fibroblasts.

Mesoporous-assembled TiO2-NiO-Ag nanocomposites with p-n/Schottky heterojunctions for enhanced photocatalytic performance

Construction of Schottky heterojunctions with plasmonic metals and p-n heterojunctions with p-type semiconductors have been considered as two effective approaches for boosting photocatalytic activity of TiO2. Here, we report on a magnetically-recyclable TiO2-NiO-Ag p-n/Schottky heterojunction photocatalyst fabricated by a facile and two-step approach combining spark discharge generation of mixed metallic nanoparticles under a protective argon atmosphere and a suitable thermal annealing process at air. Our comprehensive characterization studies revealed the formation of a mesoporous nano-heterostructure consisting of defective TiO2 nanoparticles that were finely incorporated with well-dispersed p-type NiO and Ag nanoparticles. Thanks to its extremely high surface area (223.07 m2 g−1), reduced optical band gap (~1.88 eV), improved visible-light absorption (~26% within 400–900 nm), and suppressed charge carriers recombination rate, our structure exhibited an enhanced photocatalytic degradation efficiency of 93.8% and a mineralization efficiency of 87.5% within 90 min irradiation towards methylene blue decomposition, superior to those of pure TiO2, NiO, and TiO2-NiO samples. This nanocomposite structure shows a large potential for practical application in the areas of environmental remediation and other photocatalytic applications.

Highly sensitive SERS detection and photocatalytic degradation of 4-aminothiophenol by a cost-effective cobalt metal–organic framework-based sandwich-like sheet

A novel and cost-effective sandwich-like cobalt metal–organic framework-based sheet is facilely fabricated. It shows excellent performance for SERS detection and photocatalytic degradation towards a toxic pesticide intermediate (4-aminothiophenol). It is also found that the plug-and-play Ag/ZIF-67/TiO 2 /Cu sheet with double functions could be used in detection and degradation of some real water samples contained 4-aminothiophenol. • A plug-and-play Cu/TiO 2 /ZIF-67/Ag sheet with double function was assembled. • It showed excellent performance for detection and degradation towards 4-ATP. • The mechanisms of detection and degradation on the sheet were explored. • The cost-effective sheet was also highly active in some real water samples. It is vital to develop an effective strategy to detect and degrade 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP, a toxic pesticide intermediate) for its serious threat to ecological environment and human health. Herein, cobalt 2-methylimidazole metal–organic framework and Ag nanoparticles were grown one by one on the TiO 2 coated Cu sheet. The successful construction of the novel composite sheet (Ag/ZIF-67/TiO 2 /Cu) with well-dispersed Ag nanoparticles was characterized in detail. Importantly, only with 0.5 wt% Ag, the plug and play Ag/ZIF-67/TiO 2 /Cu sheet showed a high SERS response to 4-aminothiophenol even as low as 5 × 10 -11 mol L -1 , which was about 3 ~ 5 orders of magnitude lower than some traditional substrates. In a selected area (1.0 × 1.0 cm 2 ), a relative standard deviation of 1.77% showed that the Ag/ZIF-67/TiO 2 /Cu substrate was uniform. Moreover, its activity towards 4-ATP detection can still be maintained even after 30 days. More importantly, the Ag/ZIF-67/TiO 2 /Cu displayed high photocatalytic degradation to 4-ATP, and degradation efficiency of 100% can be reached within 15 min. Moreover, the activity was hardly changed after recycled for six times. Especially, the 4-ATP in real samples can also be detected and degraded on this sheet. The mechanisms of the enhanced SERS and photocatalysis were explored. The novel and cost-effective Ag/ZIF-67/TiO 2 /Cu sheet with double functions could be used in detection and degradation of some other pollutants in wastewater.

In situ monitoring nanoscale solid-state phase transformation of Ag nanowire during electrochemical reaction

Nanoscale solid-state transformation of metals and alloys during electrochemical processes are critical for applications including corrosion, electrochemical machining and alkali metal batteries. However, these nanoscale phase and chemical transformations at metal surface and interface cannot be probed by conventional characterization techniques lacking of site-specific information with high spatial resolution. Here, we use in situ transmission electron microscopy to demonstrate a unique phase transformation upon electrochemical alloying of Ag nanowire with Li. It features a surface reaction of electrochemical lithiation of Ag followed by a fast redistribution of Ag into small nanoparticles embedded in Li2O. The Ag-Li alloying reaction proceeds through a surface reaction mode with a strong dependence of surface facets. The weak bonding between AgLi and the presence of residual O2 in TEM column causes the as-formed Ag-Li alloy instantly transform to a Li2O shell with well-dispersed Ag nanoparticles.

Silver-Decorated Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles Anchored onto the Graphene Sheets as Electrode Materials for Electrochemical and Photocatalytic Applications.

The present work describes the synthesis of Ag-CoFe2O4/rGO nanocomposite as a photocatalyst through the hydrothermal process by the attachment of silver and cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) nanoparticles on the surface of reduced graphene oxide. The effect of Ag and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) on the structure, optical, magnetic, photocatalytic, and electrochemical performance of the CoFe2O4 is systematically explored through various analytical techniques. The analyses of the observed outcomes reveal that the graphene sheets are exfoliated and decorated with well-dispersed Ag and CoFe2O4 nanoparticles. UV–vis spectra indicate a gradual shift in the absorption edge toward the higher wavelength with the addition of Ag ions, which signifies variation in the energy gap of the samples. Photoluminescence results divulge that graphene can decline the electron–hole recombination rate and improve the photocatalytic activity of the Ag-CoFe2O4/rGO nanocomposite. In this context, the Ag-CoFe2O4/rGO sample presents good catalytic activity as compared to the CoFe2O4 and Ag-CoFe2O4 photocatalysts for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye and suggests that the rGO plays a vital role in the Ag-CoFe2O4/rGO nanocomposite. The deterioration rate of the samples is found to be in the order of CoFe2O4(78.03%) < Ag-CoFe2O4(83.04%) < Ag-CoFe2O4/rGO(93.25%) in 100 min for MB dye, respectively, under visible-light irradiation. The room-temperature ferromagnetic behavior of the samples is confirmed by the M–H hysteresis loop measurements. Overall, the Ag-CoFe2O4/rGO nanocomposite promises to be a strong magnetic photocatalyst for contaminated wastewater treatment. The electrochemical performance of all of the samples was examined by the cyclic voltammetry (CV) that exhibits a superior rate performance and cycle stability of the Ag-CoFe2O4/rGO nanocomposite as compared to the other samples.

Effect of Ag loading content on morphology and photocatalytic activity of Ag-TiO2 nanoparticulate films prepared via simultaneous plasma-enhanced chemical and physical vapor deposition

Ag loading is known to enhance the photocatalytic performance of TiO2; however, the correlation between Ag and the resulting changes in TiO2 morphology and particle size is not well understood. A plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) and physical vapor deposition (PVD) were used to prepare Ag-TiO2 nanoparticulate thin films; the prepared films were annealed at 500 °C under N2 atmosphere. The Ag content was adjusted by the furnace temperature of the PVD system. Well-dispersed Ag nanoparticles on the surface of TiO2 nanoparticles were observed and analyzed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The morphology, particle size, and photocatalytic activity of the films were evidently affected by the Ag content. TEM images showed that the TiO2 nanoparticle size increased with increasing Ag content. Evaluation of the photocatalytic activity based on the degradation of methylene blue under ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation demonstrated that an Ag content of 2.2 wt% yielded the highest photocatalytic activity (5.5 times higher than that seen in a pristine TiO2 film). This fabrication method has advantages because it adds Ag in a more controlled manner compared to the liquid-phase methods. Furthermore, our fabrication method can provide a way to vary the Ag content while considering the relationship between the photocatalytic performance and the Ag content.

Fabrication of homogeneous waffle-like silver composite substrate for Raman determination of trace chloramphenicol.

Waffle-like anodized aluminum oxide homogeneously immobilized with Ag nanoparticles (AAO/Ag) is rationally designed and fabricated as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate. The as-prepared SERS substrate is characterized with transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-Vis spectrophotometer, and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR). TheAAO/Ag substrate shows good uniformity of theRaman signals (RSD = 7.02%) due to waffle-like AAO supporting the well-dispersed Ag nanoparticles. For real application, theAAO/Ag substrate is used for rapid determination of chloramphenicol (CAP) in honey with low detection limit (4.0 × 10-9molL-1) and good linearity from 1.0 × 10-5 to 1.0 × 10-8molL-1 based on the SERS peak at 1348cm-1. The better accumulation in theshort pore path of AAO improves the target molecule approaching into the vicinity of hot spots of Ag nanoparticles. The high selectivity for CAP is attributedto the strong interaction between -NO2 group in CAP and the composite substrate. Schematic representation of the preparation of SERS substrate, AAO150/Ag10-5 composite nanoparticles, and antibiotic determination.

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles in green binary solvent for degradation of 2,4-D herbicide: Optimization and kinetic studies

In this study, well-dispersed and diminutive Ag nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized in binary solvent of Orthosiphon stamineus (OS) leaves extract and ionic liquids (ILs) via electrochemical method. ILs namely [BMIM Tf2N], [BMIM BF4] and [EMIM EtSO4] were used as solvent in the synthesis process to produce AgTf2N, AgBF4, and AgEtSO4. The characterization of Ag nanoparticles revealed that the particle size of the silver nanoparticles can be easily altered depending on the size of IL alkyl chain and anion, to produce ultrafine particles ranging from 8 to 25nm. Meanwhile, the photocatalytic activity of AgTf2N nanoparticles effectively degraded the highest amount of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) herbicide at 65.61%. The optimized model gave high removal percentage of 2,4-D at 97.80% (pH=3.24; catalyst dosage=0.009g/L; 2,4-D concentration=8.15mgL−1) with validation experiments of 1.28% error. Investigation of kinetic reaction showed the applicability of pseudo-first order kinetic to the process of 2,4-D degradation (R2>0.98) which positively predicted the constant elimination amount of 2,4-D throughout the photocatalytic process. Overall, the studies construed the crucial role of binary solvent in synthesizing and controlling the size of Ag nanoparticles for pollutant degradation.

Immobilization of well-dispersed Ag nanoparticles on calcium niobate nanosheets as highly active catalyst towards reduction of 4-nitrophenol

Ag nanoparticles were successfully deposited onto calcium niobate nanosheets using the electrostatic self-assembly method, followed by UV irradiation photoreduction. Various characterization techniques including XRD, SEM, HRTEM, BET and XPS have been utilized to study the material crystalline structure, microstructure, pore size and surface properties. Silver nanoparticles in the size range of 2–8 nm are well dispersed on the surface of the calcium niobate nanosheets. The as-synthesized Ag-Ca2Nb3O10 was a mesoporous material with a broad pore size distribution. Ag-Ca2Nb3O10 exhibited remarkable catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) by NaBH4 solution under ambient conditions, and no obvious activity degradation was observed after 5 cycles of durability test. The reduction has a pseudo-first-order rate constant of 18.01 × 10−3s − 1 and an activity parameter of 6.00 s − 1g − 1. The activation energy (Ea) of the reduction reaction was calculated as 59.63 kJ mol−1. The catalyst was recycled several times without any significant catalytic activity loss. This work provides a facile route to synthesize a highly efficient catalyst for the reduction of organic pollutants.

Facile preparation of a Ag/graphene electrocatalyst with high activity for the oxygen reduction reaction.

Small Ag nanoparticles are well dispersed onto graphene sheets via a simple and environmentally friendly route using disposable paper-cups. The obtained Ag/graphene materials exhibit much higher catalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction than the conventional Ag/graphene catalyst does in alkaline media.

Uniform, Scalable, High-Temperature Microwave Shock for Nanoparticle Synthesis through Defect Engineering

Summary Here we demonstrate a thermal shock synthesis method triggered by microwave irradiation for the rapid synthesis of nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) substrate. With properly controlled reduction, RGO has high electrical conductivity while maintaining functional groups, leading to an extremely efficient microwave absorption of ∼70%. The high utilization of microwaves results in the ability to raise the temperature to 1,600 K in just 100 ms, which is followed by rapid quenching to room temperature. The defects on the RGO are crucial for achieving this record-high microwave-induced temperature as these defects play a fundamental role in absorbing the radiation as well as the self-quenching mechanism. By loading precursors onto RGO, we can utilize rapid temperature change to synthesize nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are ∼10 nm with uniform distribution. This facile, rapid, and universal synthesis technique has the potential to be employed in large-scale production of nanomaterials and suggests a new direction for nanosynthesis.

Enhancing NH3 sensing performance of mixed potential type sensors by chemical exsolution of Ag nanoparticle on AgNbO3 sensing electrode

Perovskite oxide based composites have been considered as promising sensing materials due to their superior activity and stability. Herein, we for the first time report a perovskite-type sensing electrode AgNbO3 for solid electrolyte type NH3 sensor, which exhibits well sensing performance to NH3. On this basis, a new strategy is developed for in-situ synthesis of nanoparticle supported AgNbO3 sensing electrode by exsolution process. Well-dispersed Ag nanoparticles are socketed on the surface of AgNbO3 after exsolution treatment at 400 °C. Compared with pristine AgNbO3, the decoration of Ag nanoparticles can further enhance the response signal (electric potential difference, ΔV) of the sensor accompanied by the improved sensitivity and detection limit. More importantly, anti-interference capability of the sensor toward NO and NO2 is effectively enhanced due to the improved adsorption and electro-catalytic activity of the materials. The Ag nanoparticles decorated AgNbO3 sensing electrode with the coordination of superior sensitivity, selectivity and stability can be as a promising sensing electrode candidate for NH3 sensors. In addition, this chemical exsolution process will provide new approach for fabrication of sensing electrode with high performance for gas sensors.

Simple and green synthesis of mesoporous nanofibers decorated by Ag-nanoparticles and their application as an antibacterial membrane

A simple and cost-effective method was introduced to fabricate a highly stable Ag-nanoparticle (AgNPs) decorated mesoporous poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) nanofiber membrane. Sol-gel/electrospinning method was applied for the membrane fabrication followed by template extraction. Neither high-temperature thermal treatment nor hazardous solvents or reducing agents were used, which is a typical environmental friendly approach. Instead, PAA was provided as seeding sites for stabilizing and reducing Ag ions. The TEM images show that well-dispersed Ag nanoparticles (d = ~10 nm) are formed by in situ/self-assembly on the surface of PAA nanofiber. The mesoporous nanofiber membrane has a surface area and pore size of about 405 m2 g−1 and 3.50 nm, respectively. The membrane antibacterial performance was examined in the dark, and a complete Escherichia coli inactivation was achieved within 30 min. Due to the 1D characteristic of the nanofiber, it was convenient for recovery and reuse. Such synthesis strategy can be extended to other particle systems for various applications in catalysis, energy, sensing, photonic and biomedical applications.

Influence of γ-ray irradiation doses on physicochemical properties of silver polystyrene polyvinyl pyrrolidone nanocomposites

Abstract Silver – polystyrene polyvinylpyrrolidone nanocomposites were synthesized by polymerization which was induced by γ-ray irradiation. Silver (Ag) nanoparticles were embedded in the polystyrene via subsequent reduction of Ag+ by γ-ray irradiation. Dispersion of Ag nanoparticles was achieved using polyvinylpyrrolidone as a dispersing agent. The morphology and particle size of the new silver/polystyrene/polyvinylpyrrolidone nanocomposite was studied by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction analysis and thermal gravimetric analysis. The prepared nanocomposites showed improved thermal stability. The TEM images demonstrate that well-dispersed Ag nanoparticles were embedded in polystyrene polyvinylpyrrolidone. According to TEM analysis, the size of the nanoparticles was found to be in the range of 15–45 nm. TEM images showed the favored shape of the nanoparticles as spherical. TGA indicated that the thermal stability of polystyrene is enhanced when loaded with Ag nanoparticles and this is clear from the data obtained and the values of the activation energy. This method constitutes a promising way to prepare versatile inorganic-organic polymer nanocomposites. The applied method is both simple and inexpensive and does not use toxic chemicals, unlike other chemical methods.

A green and facile synthesis for rGO/Ag nanocomposites using one-step chemical co-reduction route at ambient temperature and combined first principles theoretical analyze

Recently, graphene decorated with various inorganic nanoparticles, such as Pt, Au, Ag, TiO2 and Fe3O4, among which Ag nanocomposites are good candidates for electronics, optics, electrochemistry and catalysis. However, preparation techniques for Ag nanoparticles/carbon matrix hybrids require tedious multi-step processes often involving toxic reducing agents/high temperatures which is not viable for scalable production. Here, a facile, one step and eco-friendly chemical co-reduction route was utilized to synthesis of a new nanocomposites by Ag nanoparticle anchored on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) at ambient temperature and combined first principles theoretical analyze their interfacial adsorption behavior, is reported. In this way, graphene oxide (GO) and Ag+ simultaneously reduced by thiourea dioxide (TD) without using any additional reduced reactants. Results indicated that GO was successfully reduced to rGO and well-dispersed Ag nanoparticles with sizes of 6–7 nm, anchored on the surface of rGO sheets. Reduction mechanism was attributed to the synergistic effect of its hydrolysis products in aqueous media. The experiment and theoretical calculation results obtained demonstrate this method to be applicable to the synthesis of other metals on rGO sheets in order to improve wettability and interfacial bonding between rGO and metal and may possibly find various forthcoming medicinal, industrial and technological applications.

Extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves mediated biosynthesis of catalytically active and recyclable silver nanoparticles

In the present study, catalytically active Ag nanoparticles were biosynthesized by the extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves through a facile and green manner. Well-dispersed Ag nanoparticles in spherical shape with size of 20–40 nm were obtained. Catalyzing the reduction of four typical pollutants, 4-nitrophenol, congo red, methyl orange, and rhodamine B, were achieved using the synthesized Ag nanoparticles, with the full conversion in 15–100 min. The pseudo-first order rate constant was calculated to be 0.0452 min−1, 0.0568 min−1, 0.0805 min−1, and 0.285 min−1 for 4-nitrophenol, congo red, methyl orange, and rhodamine B, respectively. Furthermore, the catalytic activity can be preserved for 5 successive cycles. Wide applications in selective reduction reactions for pollutants treatment and fine chemical synthesis can be expected using the obtained catalytically active and recyclable Ag nanoparticles.

Dendritic Silica Particles with Well-Dispersed Ag Nanoparticles for Robust Antireflective and Antibacterial Nanocoatings on Polymeric Glass

Robust nanocoatings with both antireflective (AR) and antibacterial properties for transparent plastic substrates are not only significantly attractive in science but also urgently needed in wide applications. However, it is still a great challenge to realize the fabrication of this kind of multifunctional nanocoatings on plastic/polymer substrates. In this work, a series of single-particle-layered nanocoatings were prepared by partially embedding dendritic fibrous nanosilica (DFNS) with well-dispersed Ag nanoparticles (NPs) onto the surface of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) polymeric glass via organic vapor treatment. The optimal coated PMMA slide not only exhibits the enhanced transmittance with the highest one of 94.5% but also shows excellent antibacterial activity (at least killing 80% bacteria) toward both Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli. Moreover, both long-term ultrasonic processing and pencil hardness tests proved strong adhesion of particles on PMMA subst...

Crosslinked pectin nanofibers with well-dispersed Ag nanoparticles: Preparation and characterization

Nanofibers with well-dispersed Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) are promising for some applications. Dispersion electrospinning is a straightforward preparation method but is suffered from the negative effects that the further treatments of nanofibers after electrospinning may bring to the dispersed AgNPs. In this study, we report a post reduction method to fabricate nanofibers with well-dispersed AgNPs. Crosslinked nanofibers of a hydrophilic polysaccharide, pectin, are used. When being immersed in the aqueous solution of AgNO3, the crosslinked pectin nanofibers swell, allowing Ag+ ions enter inside. The surrounding crosslinked pectin macromolecules functionalize as in situ reducing reagents to reduce Ag+ ions, nucleating the crystallization of AgNPs locally. X-ray diffraction characterizations indicate that the formed AgNPs are face-centered cubic crystalline. Results of optical imaging, UV–vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron dispersive spectrometry as well as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicate that the content and size of AgNPs increase with the increase of AgNO3 concentration and incubation time. SEM and TEM results show that the dispersion of the AgNPs does not affect the nanofibrous structure and size of the crosslinked pectin nanofibers. TEM results also demonstrate that AgNPs distribute homogeneously along both the length and diameter direction of nanofibers. The composite nanofibers can sustainably release silver for 4 weeks and inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli for 7 days, showing great potential as long-term antibacterial materials. The method may also be used to disperse AgNPs in other hydrophilic nanofibers which need further treatments after electrospinning.