Electrostatic assembly of Ag nanoparticles onto nanofibrillated cellulose for antibacterial paper products

Nanofibrillated cellulose offers new technological solutions for the development of paper products. Here, composites of nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) and Ag nanoparticles (NP) were prepared for the first time via the electrostatic assembly of Ag NP (aqueous colloids) onto NFC. Distinct polyelectrolytes have been investigated as macromolecular linkers in order to evaluate their effects on the building-up of Ag modified NFC and also on the final properties of the NFC/Ag composite materials. The NFC/Ag nanocomposites were first investigated for their antibacterial properties towards S. aureus and K. pneumoniae microorganisms as compared to NFC modified by polyelectrolytes linkers without Ag. Subsequently, the antibacterial NFC/Ag nanocomposites were used as fillers in starch based coating formulations for Eucalyptus globulus-based paper sheets. The potential of this approach to produce antimicrobial paper products will be discussed on the basis of complementary optical, air barrier and mechanical data.     

Antimicrobial cotton fibres prepared by in situ synthesis of AgCl into a silica matrix

Functional antimicrobial cotton fibres were prepared in a novel two-step procedure utilising the pad-dry-cure method to apply an inorganic–organic hybrid sol–gel precursor (reactive binder, RB) followed by the in situ synthesis of AgCl particles on the RB-treated fibres. The morphology and surface composition of the modified cotton fibres were investigated by scanning electron microscopy imaging and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy spectral analyses. The bulk concentration of Ag on the cotton fibres was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy, and the antimicrobial activity against the bacteria Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was estimated according to the ISO 20645:2004 (E) and AATCC 100-1999 methods. The results showed that this application process yields the following important benefits: (1) the presence of the RB silica matrix increased the fibres’ capacity for adsorbing AgCl particles compared with the same fibres without RB; (2) the in situ synthesis enabled a simple and environmentally friendly preparation of AgCl particles from AgNO₃ and their embedment into the fibres; (3) the AgCl particles were bound to the RB silica matrix by physical forces, which allowed for their controlled release from the fibres; (4) the capacity of the RB-modified cotton samples to hold embedded AgCl particles was sufficient to provide a 100 % bacterial reduction even after 10 repeated washing cycles; and (5) the chemical modification of the cotton fibres did not significantly change their whiteness, wettability or softness.     

In situ generated cellulose nanoparticles to enhance the hydrophobicity of paper

Handsheets with in situ generated cellulose nanoparticles were made from oxidized pulp fibers prepared by 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxyl-mediated oxidation of kraft fiber with sodium hypochlorite and sodium bromide. The oxidized pulp fibers were blended prior to handsheet formation for short times (1–3 min). From gravimetric analysis of the supernatant, yield of cellulose nanoparticles generated from this blending process were up to 9.5 dry wt%. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the handsheets fabricated in a wetlay process had increased smoothness with increased blending time. A significant decrease in water vapor transmission rate for the sheets supported the hypothesis that cellulose nanoparticles fill the empty spaces between pulp fibers throughout the handsheet affording a more dense structure. Oxidation significantly enhanced the tensile index of the handsheets and this value was further improved by blending for 2 min. The handsheets were treated with a solution of octadecylamine (ODA) modifying the surface chemistry of the paper. Irreversibly adsorbed ODA on the oxidized cellulose surfaces after extensive extraction was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Sessile drop contact angle tests for modified handsheets illustrated its enhanced hydrophobicity with contact angles over 90°. Overall the study developed a novel route to make paper with enhanced functionality without the need to separately deposit nanocellulose onto the paper surface.     

Study of a PCM based energy storage system containing Ag nanoparticles

In this paper, organic phase change materials (PCM)/Ag nanoparticles composite materials were prepared and characterized for the first time. The effect of Ag nanoparticles on the thermal conductivity of PCM was investigated. 1-tetradecanol (TD) was selected as a PCM. A series of nano-Ag-TD composite materials in aqueous solution were in-situ synthesized and characterized by means of thermal conductivity evaluation method, TG-DSC, IR, XRD and TEM. The results showed that the thermal conductivity of the composite material was enhanced as the loading of Ag nanoparticles increased. The composite materials still had relatively large phase change enthalpy. Their phase change enthalpy could be correlated linearly with the loading of TD, but their phase change temperature was a little bite lower than that of pure TD. The thermal stability of the composite materials was close to that of pure TD. It appeared that there was no strong interaction between the Ag nanoparticles and the TD. Furthermore, the experiment results indicated that the Ag nanoparticles dispersed uniformly in the materials, occurred in the forms of pure metal.     

Photocatalytic performance of nano-ZnTiO3 decorated with Ag/AgCl nanoparticles for degradation of the organic dyes

Research on Chemical Intermediates - Ag/AgCl/ZnTiO3 nanohybrids were assembled by the photoreduction–precipitation assisted with ultrasonic method. Rhodamine B (RhB), methylene blue (MB) and...     

Highly specific capacitance materials constructed via in situ synthesis of polyaniline in a cellulose matrix for supercapacitors

On the basis of the requirements for both biobased economy and energy storage materials, we are interested in using cellulose-based microporous film as a template for in situ synthesis of polyaniline (PANI). Multifunctional carbon nanotube (CNT)/cellulose composite films were also prepared from a CNT/cellulose suspension in a NaOH/urea aqueous system. Subsequently, PANI was synthesized in situ in the pores of cellulose and CNT/cellulose substrates to construct PANI/cellulose (PC) films and PANI/CNT/cellulose (PCC) films, respectively. Both PC and PCC films were flexible and exhibited a highly specific capacitance and good cycle stability. With the addition of CNTs, the specific capacitance of the PCC films as supercapacitor materials was significantly improved. Moreover, a homogeneous structure intertwined with the cellulose, CNTs and PANI appeared in the composite films, indicating good miscibility. This work has provided a new approach to the fabrication of flexible, lightweight, highly effective, and low-cost energy storage materials, broadening the applications of cellulose.     

Novel TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofiber/polyvinyl alcohol/polyethyleneimine nanoparticles for Cu2+ removal in water

Cellulose - In this study, environmentally friendly TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofiber (TO-CNF)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/polyethyleneimine (PEI) nanoparticles were obtained by assembling PEI into...     

In situ synthesis of Ag nanoparticles in aminocalix[4]arene multilayers

The layer-by-layer (LbL) assembled thin films containing tetraamino-thiacalix[4]arenes (1) and tetraamino-calix[4]arenes (2) were used as nanoreactor to synthesize in situ Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs). UV–vis spectra and AFM images demonstrate that Ag NPs are included in the (1/Ag NPs)_n and (2/Ag NPs)_n multilayer films. The silver ions are absorbed through cation–π interaction and calix[4]arene-metal ion coordination interaction and are reduced into Ag NPs by calix[4]arenes. TEM images indicated that Ag NPs within aminocalix[4]arene multilayers were highly dispersed and uniform. Moreover, the mean size of Ag NPs is smaller than 10 nm.     

In situ generation of silver nanoparticles in cellulose matrix using Azadirachta indica leaf extract as a reducing agent

In the present work, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were in situ generated in cellulose matrix using leaf extract of Azadirachta indica as a reducing agent. The cellulose/AgNP composite films prepared were characterized by FTIR, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope, and antibacterial tests. The infrared spectra indicated the association of organic materials with silver nanoparticles to serve as capping agents. Scanning electron micrographs showed that synthesized silver nanoparticles were nearly uniform and spherical in shape with diameter in the range of 61–110?nm. XRD confirmed the formation of AgNPs and Ag–O nanoparticles. The nanocomposite films showed good antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli bacteria.     

Decoration of Au and Ag nanoparticles on self-assembling pseudopeptide-based nanofiber by using a short peptide as capping agent for metal nanoparticles

The surface of a nanofiber that is formed from a self-assembling pseudopeptide has been decorated by gold and silver nanoparticles that are stabilized by a dipeptide. Transmission electron microscopic images make the decoration visible. In this paper, a new strategy of mineralizing a pseudopeptide based nanofiber by gold and silver nanoparticles with use of a two-component nanografting method is described.     

一种双固体树脂接界的参比电极的研究

研究了一种双固体树脂接界的参比电极。该电极是由上下两部分固体树脂接界而成,上部树脂含Ag/AgCl丝及KCl粉末,下部树脂含KNO3粉末。本电极性能稳定,KCl从固体树脂向样品溶液的扩散速度小于6.25×10-7mol·h-1,能够被连续使用。     

Modification of cellulose filter paper with bimetal nanoparticles for catalytic reduction of nitroaromatics in water

Cellulose - In this research work, we present a synthesis of silver and cobalt bimetal nanoparticles stabilized by a carboxymethyl cellulose biopolymer (CMC-AgCo) and its coating on a cellulose...     

Ultrasonic assisted synthesis of nanocrystalline cellulose as support and reducing agent for Ag nanoparticles: green synthesis and novel effective nanocatalyst for degradation of organic dyes

In this study, nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) prepared from microcrystalline cellulose using high‐intensity ultrasonication as mechanical method without any chemical treatment. The obtained NCC with around 30–50 nm diameters, utilized as support, reducing and stabilizing agent for in‐situ green and eco‐friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). The catalytic activity of composite was examined for degradation of environmental pollutants. The structure of as‐synthesized composite (Ag@NCC) was characterized by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM); Transmission electron microscopy (TEM); Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results of the catalytic reaction experiments showed that spherically shaped silver nanoparticles of around 20 nm distributed on the surface of nanocellulose demonstrated high catalytic efficiency towards the removal of methyl orange (MO) and 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP).     

Development of a micro-planar Ag/AgCl quasi-reference electrode with long-term stability for an amperometric glucose sensor

This paper reports a micro-planar Ag/AgCl quasi-reference electrode (QRE) with long-term stability which is characterized by both long-term potential stability and practical immunity to interference species, and which has been applied for use with an amperometric glucose sensor for plasma glucose. For fabrication, we coated a silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) electrode first with γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (γ-APTES) and then with perfluorocarbon polymer (PFCP). Tests demonstrate the new electrode’s ability to remain stable over an 82-day period in 150 mM KCl, and also show its imperviousness to the effects of interference species (1 mM KI and 1 mM KBr), pH, and serum. Furthermore, in tests for glucose concentrations in plasma samples, a good correlation coefficient, 0.954 (n=30, Y=1.02X+0.20), was demonstrated between results obtained with a clinical analyzer and those obtained with an amperometric glucose sensor that used the developed Ag/AgCl QRE, showing that the Ag/AgCl QRE functions well as a reference electrode for plasma samples.     

Environmentally benign chitosan as precursor and reductant for synthesis of Ag/AgCl/N-doped carbon composite photocatalysts and their photocatalytic degradation performance

In this study, we reported a novel Ag/AgCl loaded N-doped carbon composite photocatalyst (Ag/AgCl/NC) which was fabricated by a facile and green method. The composite was prepared only by two simple steps. Firstly, the Ag/N-doped carbon (Ag/NC) was prepared by one-step hydrothermal treatment; during this progress the environmentally benign and renewable natural chitosan was used as not only reducer and stabilizer, but also as a nitrogen source and carbon source. Secondly, Ag/AgCl/NC composite was synthesized via in situ oxidation reaction by adding FeCl₃. The Ag/AgCl/NC composite was characterized using X-ray diffraction, transmission electronic microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectra, UV-visible diffused reflectance spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements, respectively. The obtained Ag/AgCl/NC composite exhibited a superior photocatalytic activity and stability for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation.     

反相微乳液中憎水性纳米金的原位还原法合成

利用十八胺(C18NH2)/正丁醇/正庚烷/HAuCl4(aq)W/O型微乳液体系,在常温的碱促进条件下由正丁醇原位还原氯金酸合成了具有高度单分散的憎水性金纳米粒子。由C18NH2稳定的金纳米颗粒运用紫外可见光谱(UV-vis)、透射电镜(TEM)和X射线衍射(XRD)等分别进行了表征和分析,并探讨了微乳液体系各组分对形成金纳米粒子形貌、尺寸和单分散性的影响。结果显示,随十八胺/氯金酸摩尔比的增加,金粒子的尺寸逐渐减小而单分散性逐渐提高。在正丁醇原位慢还原氯金酸的过程中,实验所选W/O型微乳液模板和表面活性剂十八胺分子对憎水性金纳米粒子的形貌和尺寸仍具有良好的控制作用。     

Controlled orientation in a bio-inspired assembly of Ag/AgCl/ZnO nanostructures enables enhancement in visible-light-induced photocatalytic performance

In a bio-inspired approach, polyamine-mediated mineralization of ZnO was explored to develop an environmentally benign methodology for synthesizing Ag/AgCl/ZnO nanostructures. The assembling properties displayed by the polyamines to create composite structures was utilized to have the nanocomponents effectively interact with each other in a way that is desirable for the application envisaged. The polyamines, which act as a mineralizing agent for ZnO nanoparticles, also facilitate the formation of Ag/AgCl within ZnO under ambient conditions. Thus synthesized Ag/AgCl/ZnO nanostructures represent a multi-heterojunction system in which the nanocomponents lead in a synergistic way to enhancement in the photocatalytic activity under visible-light irradiation.     

Facile in situ synthesis of nickel/cellulose nanocomposites: mechanisms,properties and perspectives

Nickel/cellulose nanocomposites with tunable magnetic behavior and electrical conductivity were fabricated by a facile in situ synthesis route with aqueous NaOH/urea solution as the solvent to dissolve and regenerate cellulose. It was found that Ni particles are uniformly dispersed in and immobilized by cellulose matrix, which indicates that regenerated cellulose fibers with coarse surface might act as templates to modulate the growth of Ni nanoparticles. Moreover, the size and morphology of Ni nanoparticles as well as the magnetic and conductive properties of Ni/cellulose nanocomposites is dependent on the concentration of Ni²⁺ in NaOH/urea aqueous solution. With an increase in the concentration of Ni²⁺ from 0.2 to 1.0 mol/L, the values of saturation magnetization increased from 16.6 to 38.5 emu/g, while the resistance decreased from 10⁶ to 10^?2 Ω cm. Particularly, multi-layer sample exhibits good absorption capacity and an additional effective bandwidth in the low-frequency region, showing promising potential as candidate electromagnetic functional fabric and cloth.